The Lagos-Kano and Ajaokuta train services has been suspended by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) over fear of terrorist attacks.
It was learnt that the train services would not resume until the security along the Lagos-Kano route and the Ajaokuta train station was assured.
According to a media source, the NRC suspended services at the Ajaokuta station along Warri-Itakpe route due to the attack on some passengers by terrorists on Monday.
It was also learnt that the Lagos-Kano train services were banned because of the high level of security threats in Niger and Kaduna states, perhaps the states are the routes of the train heading to Kano from Lagos.
Confirming the suspension of the train services at the Ajaokuta station and the Lagos-Kano, the NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, noted that, “We have not stopped (services), rather what we said was that we are not going to be stopping at the Ajaokuta station.’’
He added, “This is because yesterday (Monday), while passengers were leaving the station with their private cars and buses, they had people shooting at them. So we said we will not stop there again for passengers.
“The train is still running, but for now we will not be stopping at Ajaokuta because they have some concerns there. We heard that they removed their traditional ruler in that location and the local government chairman there.”
He further confirmed that apart from the Abuja-Kaduna route, the corporation had also suspended services on the Lagos-Kano route because of the insecurity in the areas.
Giving answer to if there was any other train service that was not operating aside from the Abuja-Kaduna service, the NRC boss said, “No, apart from the Lagos to Kano (train service) because the Kaduna route is affected by the activities of bandits; and it (Lagos-Kano route) was stopped because we have to pass through Minna and Kaduna when heading to Kano. So we have to stop it for now.”
