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One year after, the Kaduna State government said it had started releasing personal luggage, certificates and other belongings of victims of the unfortunate Abuja-Kaduna train attack by terrorists to their relatives and family members. The development was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement, yesterday. The commissioner explained that there are still some personal items belonging to the victims, which are left unclaimed in his ministry. He said: “The terrorists derailed the train at around 07:00 p.m. by setting off an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to blow up a section of the track. They then opened fire on the coaches and kidnapped scores of passengers from the train. “In the heat of the confusion, a terrified passenger alerted the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs on the exact location of the train, which was traced to the Kasarami-Audujongom general area of Chikun Council of the state. “Immediately, Maj.-Gen. K.I Mukhtar, the then General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Brig.-Gen. U.T Upuene, then Garrison Commander, moved with their brave troops to secure the train and rescue the remaining passengers. “Subsequent development confirmed that nine passengers were killed in the attack, with over 60 people kidnapped and more than 20 injured. “Passengers injured were successfully evacuated by the troops, staff of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian volunteers, along with remains of slain passengers. “After the search and rescue, troops secured passengers’ luggage and, thereafter, handed them over to the state government on March 31, 2022. “Also supplied was detailed inventory of over 100 personal items and several loose belongings carefully labelled. “Records confirmed that nine victims had already collected their belongings directly from the 1 Division Headquarters. “Consequently, the state government can now report that between April 3 and November 17, 2022, 62 persons (victims of the attack or their relatives) came forward to claim 94 items of luggage containing a range of personal items.”
Source: TheStreetJournal | Read More
