Train Attack: Buhari harps on security surveillance, Senate wants army to bomb terrorists

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate conclusion of all the processes for the implementation of the integrated security surveillance and monitoring solution for the Abuja-Kaduna railway line.

The President’s order was a response to the deadly attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train service by terrorists on Monday, March 28, 2022.

Buhari, who further instructed that the project be extended to cover the Lagos-Ibadan railway line, condemned the bombing of the passenger train, describing it as a “matter of grave concern.”

According to the President, “like most Nigerians, I am deeply pained by its occurrence, the second of its type, which has resulted in the death of a yet to be determined number of passengers and others who suffered injuries.”

RELIABLESOURCENG.COM reports that no fewer than eight passengers have been confirmed dead in the Monday night attack on the train said to be carrying close to 1,000 passengers.

Many more passengers either sustained injuries and receiving medical attention in hospitals or were reportedly abducted by the terrorists for ransom.

The President in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, equally directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation management to speedily repair the damaged lines and resume normal service without delay.

He gave these directives in Abuja, Tuesday, after receiving briefs from the Service Chiefs, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Faruk Yahaya; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao; Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, as well as Major General Samuel Adebayo, the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, in the State House.

The President charged the law enforcement chiefs to bring back all passengers kidnapped and ensure that each of the callous terrorists are hunted down.

“No one should be allowed to hold the country to ransom,” said the President.

Buhari further reiterated his earlier directive that the military should deal ruthlessly with terrorists. He asked them to be more decisive and not spare anyone unlawfully wielding the AK 47 weapon.

READ: Govt confirms attack on Kaduna-bound train, dead bodies recovered

Meanwhile, the Senate has called on the Army and Airforce to, as a matter of urgency, bombard terrorist enclaves with a view to restoring peace and stability in the country.

The call was made on Tuesday amid resolutions reached, following a point of order raised on “the continuing attacks on communities and public facilities in Kaduna State.”

The point of order was raised by Senator Uba Sani (APC, Kaduna Central).

According to him, “the latest attacks by these murderous elements took place in some communities in Giwa Local Government, namely Angwan Sarki Yahya, Tashar Shari, Bare-Bari, Tsaunin Natal, Dillalai, Durumi and Jatin Kanwa, all on Yakawada Ward.

“Other places affected include Kaya community, Mai kyauro and Fatika. They killed 50 persons and kidnapped over 100 people. They also made strategic roads in Giwa Local Government no go areas.

“Not done with their devilish acts, they made an attempt to penetrate the Kaduna International Airport.

“Although the attack was foiled by vigilant security operatives, one person lost his life. When people were trying to come to grips with a week-long wanton destruction of lives and property, the terrorists struck again.”

He bemoaned the attack by terrorists on the Kaduna bound train, around Kateri-Rijana axis in Kaduna, just a few kilometres to the Rigasa Train Station in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.