The Federal Government has revealed that intelligence had revealed that there was an impending attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail track prior to the Monday incident.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who spoke with BBC Pidgin, said the security report stimulated his move to seek approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for the procurement of surveillance equipment.
Recall that the Minister had proposed N3.7bn worth of equipment to FEC to help safeguard the rail track against terrorist attacks. But according to Amaechi, the proposal was turned down.
After the attack on Monday, which left about eight passengers dead, and 25 hospitalized, while a yet to be ascertained number of others were kidnapped by armed bandits, the Minister said they would still meet with FEC next week over the equipment.
According to him, the train would remain shut down pending the procurement of the security equipment which would help in guaranteeing the safety of passengers.
The Minister also revealed that the ministry is working towards engaging local vigilantes who would monitor and secure the rail track.
He said, “We are not reopening the train until there are surveillance equipment, we will also ensure that the army officers are on the rail track to secure the place and make sure passengers are safe.
“We will employ local vigilantes who would protect the rail track and the Nigerian Air Force has also agreed to always fly by train.
“Prior to the attack, we had intelligence that the bandits may strike anytime so we went to the cabinet to approve money for the surveillance equipment but the approval was not given.
“That day, I acted like a prophet, I told the cabinet that if the approval was not given, and the train is attacked, passengers may die, and now we have lost eight persons. We are going back to them next week”.
