Federal Government Should Suspend the Resumption of Train Operations for Now~ Justice Ori.

I am glad to hear there was inaugural train ride between Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Aba, Abia State on Tuesday 30 April, the Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway appears set for use by members of the public, but my concern is going by the experience of Monday March 28, 2022 where an Abuja–Kaduna train was attacked around Katari in Kaduna State where some passengers were kidnapped, train damaged and over eight people were reported dead, i will not support the resumption of train operations any where in the country because since then till today there have always been reports of insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and killing of innocent Nigerians even at worship centers. The government is actually making efforts on the fight against security but we need to do more.

While we expect good results on the efforts made so far in the fight against insecurity, i suggest we suspend the resumption of train operations for now for the safety of Nigerians and those that will ply the train to avoid a repeat of the Abuja-kaduna train incident.

If train operations must resume, then the Federal Government should:

i. Provide a central control point for the monitoring of train movement/operations.

ii. Should provide 24hrs functional CCTV.

iii. There should be armed security stationed at rail lines or armed security should be attached to each moving train.

iv. Train Operations should not resume with refurbished trains that will break down on the road for bandits to meet and attack us.

Nothing is too expensive to do provided it is aimed at safe guiding Nigerians because i believe the Federal Government value her citizens.

Justice Ori writing from Port Harcourt.