Villagers Pelt Moving Train – NRC Raises Alarm

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over escalating attacks on its train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, following a recent incident in which suspected villagers pelted a moving train with stones.

According to the Corporation, the attack occurred around kilometre 177, where a group of unidentified persons gathered along the rail track and hurled stones at a passing train, damaging the windscreen of the lead locomotive.

The NRC, in a statement by Callistus Unyimadu, its Chief Public Relations Officer, described the development as alarming, noting that similar incidents have been recorded across multiple locations in the past two weeks, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It said more than six attacks have been documented along the corridor within this period, posing significant threats to passenger safety, railway personnel, and critical infrastructure.

“These repeated acts are not only dangerous but also amount to economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining government investments in the railway sector,” the Corporation said.

Despite the attacks, the NRC said train services have continued under heightened safety measures, with railway staff maintaining strict vigilance to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.

It added that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify those responsible, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The NRC called on communities residing along railway lines to support the protection of railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal actions.

It warned that continued attacks could disrupt service delivery if urgent and collective action is not taken.