Families of the abducted passengers of March 28, 2022 Abuja- Kaduna bound train attack have threatened to stop the plan by the Nigerian Railways Corporation ( NRC ) to resume train operation on Abuja- Kaduna route.
The Federal Government had announced that Abuja-Kaduna train service would resume operation on July 29.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja,the aggrieved families expressed disgust over the shoddy manner the Nigerian government has been handling the tragic event.
Mrs. Zara Aliyu spoke on behalf of the families and threatened that they would not allow the train service to resume operation on the route until their family members who are being held hostage are released.
She accused the Minister of Transportation,Chibuike Ameachi of being for downplaying the traffic event and choosing to run around the country for his presidential ambition next year.
She said: ” We are the families of abducted passengers of NRC AK9 Abuja- Kaduna bound Train attacked on March 2022. Today marks the 42nd day our loved ones have been held hostage. It has been 42 long days of living in fear, virtually no sleep, no bath, wearing the same clothes under the scorching sun and rain and exposed extreme environmental hazards.
” The emotional psychology, mental and physical torture arising from these conditions are only imaginable. We read in the news that one of the two pregnant women in captivity delivered her baby in the forest. ” Giving birth is supposed to be a moment of joy ; how would it have been if this woman delivered her baby in the comfort of a maternity ward ? ”
She expressed disappointment over the nonchallant attitude of the Minister to the plight of the victims and their families.
According to her,the NRC has not contacted them one week after the Presidential directive was issued that the management of Nigerian Railways Corporation should establish a Situation Room to give update on the rescue effort to the relatives.
She urged the National Assembly to prevail on the relevant security agencies to ensure the safety and rescue of the victims.
She added :”Just a few days after March 28th Mr. Amaechi was seen running around the stadium in PorthHarcourt where he declared his intention to become the next President of Nigeria. We had expected Mr. Amaechi to be running around as to how to get his abducted passengers rescued and this is highly disappointing “
