Before rail service on the Abuja-Kaduna route resumes, technology-driven security measures will be put in place, according to Minister of Transportation Mu’azu Sambo.
The minister said on Tuesday that specific steps needed to be done to ensure public safety and prevent a repeat of the March 28 train attack during a familiarization tour to Abuja’s Idu and Kubwa train stations.
He said, “First and foremost, it’s very important to get those Nigerians that were kidnapped reunited with their families. Otherwise, it’ll be seen as if the government isn’t sensitive.
“Whereas the government isn’t only sensitive, but the government is doing everything it can to make sure that those who have been affected by this unfortunate incident are reunited with their families.
“Secondly, you must put in place adequate security and infrastructure to protect and prevent all forms of threats that are possible and leave what you cannot do to God.
“So we are trying to deploy the best technology available anywhere in the world. That has served very well for us in other jurisdictions, which we believe can also serve us very well here in Nigeria.
“To save the lives of Nigerians is the priority of the government. The best way to travel as far as I am concerned is by train.”
Sambo promised that the route between Abuja and Kaduna will soon resume regular train operation.
The minister stated that plans were being made to secure the upkeep of the stations’ current infrastructure.
