There are indications that the Federal Government is at
cross roads on the resumption of train services, particularly, the Abuja Kaduna
route.
Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, on Wednesday, said
it would be insensitive to the plight of families whose loved ones are still in
captivity if the government recommenced the Abuja-Kaduna train services for
now.
He said the government is looking at the best options in
terms of surveillance including concessioning it in a public-private
partnership arrangement.
The Minister bared his mind while briefing correspondents at
the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by
President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Fielding questions on the suspension of the service
following the March 2022 attack on the train, he remarked that two core matters
remain at the heart of the Abuja-Kaduna train services.
These include families traumatised over their members still
in captivity of terrorists and the need to have surveillance facilities to
monitor the tracks.
Commenting on a definite timeline when the initiative would
be executed, Muazu said: “If I give a timeline, I’ll be lying to you. It will
be insensitive to restart the service if some families weep day and night over
their members still in the bush.”
He said the government is mindful of the cost involved but
should be able to report definite progress in about a month’s time.
Recall that passengers on board the Abuja Kaduna bound train
had come under attacks from terrorists leading to the death of 8 persons and
over 50 abductees. Though half of the passengers abducted have regained their
freedom, family members of the victims have forbidden the federal government to
recommence the train services unless all the captives are released.
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