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.
