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Mixed Reactions Trail Resumption Of Train Service On Abuja-Kaduna Route …As Attack Victims Demand Compensation From FG
Following the resumption of train services in the Abuja-Kaduna route, last Monday, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions.
While some said using a train is the most convenient, safest transportation system, at least, for now that bandits, terrorists have continued to unleash terror on road travellers, others expressed fear that rail transport is expensive, slow in operation and may be subject to all forms of criminal attack.
Although, passengers at Risa train station in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, yesterday, were excited following the resumption of the Kaduna-Abuja train service, they were constrained following the increase in ticket fares by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Security was observed to be tighter as more personnel were deployed to the station to avoid a repeat of past incidents.
Hundreds of passengers besieged the Rigasa rail station, trying to board trains to their destinations.
An estate agent, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, said at the Rigasa station, yesterday, that at least, for comfort, train service was more preferable.
According to him, since the Federal Government has put in place security operatives to curtail criminal activities, they only need prayers for sustainability.
Hajia Salamatu Danielle, who said she intended to reach Abuja, said she is no longer afraid of criminals or terrorists’ attack since there are more security operatives on ground.
According to her, she relies on train service than road transportation, since anything can happen along the way.
She called on the NRC to reduce the transport fare in order to accommodate more people who intend to travel this festive period.
However, Mallam Nasir Idris, said the slow pace at which trains move would not suit his travel to Abuja for work and return the same day.
According to him, he works in Abuja, returns to Kaduna every evening the same day.
He further expressed fear over ticket fares, adding that in most cases, he gets roadside vehicles at N1,000 to Abuja.
Mrs. James Alice, said the Federal Government should have compensated them in the first week of train services since passengers were victims of bandits attack on March 28, 2022.
According to her, even if the Federal Government had muted the ideas of increasing transportation fare, they could have allowed passengers to enjoy the service for at least two weeks, or reduced the fare to the barest minimum.
She noted that the increase might be to recover what they have lost since the train was suspended.
A shoemaker,Ali Danjuma, who said he has been traveling by train for a very long time, asked Nigerians to stop comparing train service with road or air transportation.
According to him, the comfort that accompanies train service is not found using road or air service, as train can stop at every station, while train business passengers can render services, other passengers can buy whatever they need while the cost of transportation can still be affordable.
Meanwhile, less than two months after the last batch of the 63 kidnapped victims of the Kaduna train attack in Kaduna were released, the victims are demanding compensation from the Federal Government to enable them to restart life.
Their demand is coming just 24hours after the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) resumed train operations on the Kaduna-Abuja route, eight months after it suspended operations following the attack that claimed the lives of nine passengers.
But the victims, who spoke to journalists in Kaduna, lamented that most of them lost their means of livelihood when they were in the custody of the terrorists who kidnapped them during the train attack.
“So, many of us have lost what we are doing and our source of income. As a citizen of this country, which I am very proud to be, I am expecting more from them (the government),” said one of the victims Mariam Idris.
“I am expecting them to come to our aid.”
They also claim that the Federal Government is yet to fulfil the promises made to them shortly after meeting with President MuhammaduBuhari upon their release in October, noting that most of them are already suffering from depression and psychological disorders that require urgent medical attention.
“Actually, they did collect our contacts that they would get back to us. But till now, nobody has said anything,” Mariam added.
“We are just living by His mercy because as of the time our family members realised ourselves in this mess, they have gone through difficulties – let’s be sincere.”
Mariam‘s tale is not different from that of Bala Mohammed, who said “nobody gave us a single kobo” even when some of them are having health challenges.
“The health challenge we are facing now is very critical,” he added.
While he thanked the Federal Government for rescuing them, Bala is asking for more.
“Our demand is that the Federal Government should come to our rescue because the trauma we are facing now is very critical,” he said.
“We don’t have money to go to the hospital to take care of our health.”
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
