Survivors of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack on Monday have narrated how terrorists shot at them.
At least eight persons have been confirmed dead and many feared abducted.
About 26 persons were injured and are receiving treatment at two hospitals in Kaduna, the state government said on Tuesday.
“We have a lot of insecurity in Nigeria,” Fatima Shaibu, one of the survivors who spoke to Channels Television, said.
“By road we are not safe, by train we are not safe.”
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According to her, when the train suddenly stopped moving, they heard a loud sound, followed by gunshots. Thereafter, the terrorists broke into the train through the door of the VIP coach, shot at many and took several others away.
Shaibu said her sister who was sitting next to her was one of those shot and killed by gunmen.
“I don’t know what to say because there’s now a lot of insecurity in Nigeria. By Road we are not safe, by train we are not safe,” she lamented as she called on the government to look into the security situation.
Speaking of the identity of the gunmen, Shaibu said they seemed very young and may also not be Nigerians as they sounded more like people from Niger or chad.
“They were speaking a different language from Hausa or Fulani,” she said.
The Abuja-Kaduna train is very popular as it is considered a safer transportation option compared to the roads which have been notorious for terrorist attacks.
This is, however, not the first time the train is coming under attack.
Late last year, bandits destroyed a portion of the rail tracks with explosives.
This recent attack now raises more concern among Nigerians over the degree of safety that can be guaranteed during commute.
Apart from the eight that have been confirmed dead and the 26 who sustained injuries, the Chief of Defense Staff, Lucky Irabor, said a yet to be identified number of persons were abducted.
Speaking to Channels Television at the state house when the service chiefs went for a meeting with the President, General Irabor explained that despite the efforts of security agencies, insecurity remains a constant challenge.
“The challenge of insecurity is a constant one and so the defense and security forces need to be on their toes 24/7,” he said.
