The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced that the resumption of train services between Abuja and Kaduna will be delayed.
This came as the abductees' families welcomed the news and urged the Federal Government to expedite its rescue efforts.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NRC's Deputy Director, Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, announced the postponement of the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna train service.
"Sequel to our earlier Press Release No. 10 dated May 16, 2022 on the above caption, the General Public is kindly invited to note the Nigerian Railway Corporation is announcing a shift in the resumption date for Abuja Kaduna Train services," the statement read in part. The Corporation apologizes for the delays in restoring service. A new date will be announced as soon as possible."
This postponement came after families of kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna train passengers threatened to picket train stations in Abuja and Kaduna over the resumption of activities on the axis.
According to a PUNCH report, the families' spokesperson, Idayat Yusuf, said the NRC should not dare the families of those abducted by resuming operations at the Abuja-Kaduna train station.
The NRC stated in its most recent statement that it would continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure railway security.
The commission also assured the relatives of those held hostage as a result of the AKTS attack that the Federal Government will ensure the safe release of all hostages.
Meanwhile, families and friends of the abducted Abuja-Kaduna train passengers have applauded the NRC's decision to halt planned train service along the route.
They argued that the development was beneficial to the country, and that no train services should run between Abuja and Kaduna until the abductees were freed.
Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, Chairman of the Victims' Families, delivered the message of the kidnapped families to Saturday PUNCH in Kaduna on Friday.
"We are pleased that one of the demands (prayers) has been met," Jimoh said. "We are pleased with the progress." Our next request is for the Federal Government to expedite the safe rescue of our loved ones."
