‘We’re facing critical trauma’ — Kaduna train attack victims beg FG for help

Victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack have asked the federal government to come to their aid so that they can get their lives back on track.

In March, the government suspended operations on the route after an attack on a train that was on its way to Kaduna from Abuja.

The attack led to the death and abduction of many passengers. The passengers were released in batches, with the last set freed in October.

On Monday, the train service resumed operations on the route.

Speaking with journalists, some of the victims said they lost their sources of income while in captivity.

Mariam Idris, one of the victims, said federal government officials collected their contact details after they were freed, but since then, nothing has come of it.

“Actually, they did collect our contacts that they would get back to us. But till now, nobody has said anything,” Idris said.

“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.

“Many of us sold our things. Currently, everybody is facing different challenges with the things we have lost. Many of us were working in institutions when this incident occurred. They won’t wait for you to come back.

“So, many of us have lost what we are doing and our sources of income. We are just trying to start from somewhere.

“As a citizen of this country, which I am very proud to be, I am expecting more from them. I’m expecting them to come to our aid.”

Bala Mohammed, another victim, said some of them are going through health challenges and do not have the means to take care of themselves.

“The health challenge we are facing now is very critical,” Mohammed said.

“All our businesses are down. Actually, they took our details and said they will look for us but till now, nobody. Nobody gave us a single kobo.

“Our demand is that the federal government should come to our rescue because the trauma we are facing now is critical. We don’t have money to go to the hospital to take care of our family.”