Families of kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna train passengers have vowed to storm train stations in Abuja and Kaduna to protest against the planned resumption of activities on the axis.
This is coming after the Nigeria Railway Corporation, said the corporation will soon resume operations along that axis.
The Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, speaking during a program on Arise TV said some of the people claiming to be relatives of those in captivity are fake stressing that the corporation is in touch with the real family members of the victims.
He said, “We have worked very hard in the last one month to the best we can do to ensure that those held hostage are released.
“We have been under pressure from Nigerians, mighty and low, to resume operations. They are those who want to benefit from a working train.
“We have weighed the pros and cons and can’t fold up the country.
“If you identify those people who are against the resumption and investigate them, you will discover that they are not related to those in captivity. We are talking to the families of those being held. As I said earlier, we are under tremendous pressure to resume operation.”
Responding to Okhiria, one of the leaders of the victims’ families under the umbrella of Relatives of AK9 Abuja-Kaduna Train Kidnapped Passengers, Hassan Mohammed, said a protest will be held in both states to force the NRC to reverse it’s decision.
He said, “We will hold peaceful protests both in Kaduna and Abuja to express our displeasure on the resumption of activities at the stations.
“We maintain and stand on everything we have said at the last briefing. They must not go ahead with their plans to commence operations.”
Spokesperson for the group, Idayat Yusuf, was quoted saying, “The whole world knows we have been patient. The railway in that axis cannot resume operation. They should not dare us.
“You have people who boarded your train and were kidnapped and are yet to regain their freedom, all you are concerned about is to resume operation? The NRC should have a rethink.”
