In recent years, the rail sector has been impacted severely by frequent assaults and kidnappings which have forced passengers to stop boarding trains, resulting in a reduction in the income generated in the sector. Among the occurrences recorded in the sector are the passenger kidnappings at Igueben station Edo State by suspected herdsmen, the Itakpe-Warri railway assault where eight passengers were murdered and over 60 individuals were kidnapped. Also, is the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by militants, where 62 people were abducted and many murdered.
Considering the steady drop in passenger volume over the last year, experts worry that the situation in the rail industry might intensify. Passenger volume on trains fell from 565,385 in the second quarter of 2022 to 422,393 in the third quarter of 2022, a decrease of 25.29 percent, which further fell to 29.91 percent in the third quarter of the year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The total amount of money made during this time period was N 2.07 billion, up from the N892.46 million made in the first quarter of 2021 (an increase of 124.11%).
Experts urge the gov’t to utilize security technologies nationwide.
Numerous assaults on train infrastructure by alleged herdsmen have spooked passengers, leading to a reduction in income for the industry as a whole. Although the federal government has claimed that security on the Abuja-Kaduna train route has been reinforced, experts urge the government to utilize security technologies nationwide. Recent comments by Innocent Ajiji, president general of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR), indicated that the government has not yet implemented the measures necessary to achieve profitability in the industry despite its 59 years of existence.
Ajiji laments that the theft of almost four kilometres of train rails indicates that the sector’s problems may only worsen. He noted that the union’s ability to function had been severely hampered by the frequent assaults on the railways and the resulting accidents. Earnings have also taken a significant hit as a result of this. For instance, when terrorists attacked the railway connecting Abuja and Kaduna, passengers plummeted on the Lagos and Warri-Itakpe lines. Meanwhile, sales declined from N500 million before the incident to N50 million afterwards.
Recent attacks are disastrous for provision of affordable transportation.
In a statement to the media, Professor Samuel Odewumi, a former dean of the School of Transport and Logistics at Lagos State University (LASU), argues that the only viable remedy is to guarantee passenger safety and security in all modes of transportation. He pointed out that the recent attack on the rail, which is now attracting the interest of Nigerians, is disastrous for the provision of affordable and dependable transportation. In addition, this will affect the debt accrued in financing the rail and its accompanying facilities and machinery.
Furthermore, he suggested embedding a military unit on each train that would be capable of holding off a handful of attackers for up to an hour until reinforcements arrived. In addition, each location must have access to adequate surveillance equipment. He said that although technological advancements are important, the security system should also count on trained personnel. This might include enlisting the help of the locals who live close to the train line as part of the overall security system.
Heightened security would likely drive up operational costs.
Henrii Nwanguma, CEO of West Atlantic Cold-Chain and Commodities Limited, underlined the need for freight transportation on the railway until security is improved. He said that although heightened security would likely drive up operational costs and eventually affect customer turnout, the country would be worse off economically if nothing were done. This will reduce the allure of the train line as a potential target for kidnappers and gunmen. Subsequently, he suggested passenger services might now be introduced on the basis of successful freight services.
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Attacks on railways diminish incomes. – Passenger volume on trains fell to 422,393 in the third quarter of 2022. – Express your point of view.
As a result of the increased risk of violence and kidnapping, many people have stopped using the rail system, significantly reducing the revenue provided by the industry.
As a result of the consistent decline in passenger numbers over the course of the past year, industry experts are concerned that the current scenario could become even worse.
The kidnapping of passengers at the Igueben station in Edo State by individuals believed to be herders is one of the incidents that have been documented in this region.
Despite the fact that the federal government has asserted that security on the train route between Abuja and Kaduna has been increased,
Passengers have been scared off by the numerous attacks on railroad equipment allegedly carried out by herders, which has resulted in a decrease in revenue for the business as a whole.
Passenger volume on trains fell to 422,393 in the third quarter of 2022. So many bad news During 2022. The incoming Government need to do more in issues of security
Many individuals have ceased using the rail system due to the heightened risk of violence and kidnapping, drastically lowering the revenue given by the sector.
The security system can count on qualified staff in addition to technical improvements. As part of a comprehensive security plan, this could involve soliciting the aid of nearby residents.
Moreover, this will have an impact on the amount of debt that was accumulated in the process of funding the train as well as the facilities and machinery that went along with it.
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As a result of the repeated attacks on train equipment, purportedly carried out by herders, passengers have been scared away, leading to a drop in revenue for the company as a whole.
Lack of protection in railway and King napping incident that use to happen in railway transport as make people stop using railway so the number will reduce no one want to risk his/her life and the function of railway will reduce if people are not patronizing it well
Besides technological advancements, the security system might rely on trained personnel. Soliciting the help of locals could be a component of a larger security strategy.
What do we expect from a country where insecurity is a concern? The government need to utilize security technologies and implement measures necessary to achieve profitability in the industry.
The rincreased risk of violence and kidnapping, many people have stopped using the rail system, substantially reducing the money given by the industry.
The incessant attacks on railways constant kidnapping and killings by herdsmen has affected the number of passengers patronizing trains because people’s lives are not save and no enough security to safe guard people’s lives.
The government built rail lines and still can’t provide maximum security for it’s usage. There should be adequate security to help the trains and their officials do their work effectively.
The security system may rely on trained staff in addition to technical improvements. Asking the locals for assistance could be a part of a bigger security plan.
The attack on the railway most have created panicking in the heart of so many passengers and as would have think other safe alternative means of transportation.