By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Musa-Lawal Ozigi, was killed during the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train on Monday evening.
Kwara State Chairman of TUC, Akin Akinsola was also killed during the incident.
Confirming the death of the officials in a statement on Tuesday, TUC president, Quadri Olaleye, said they were heading to Kaduna State for an official assignment.
“Comrade Ozigi served in the capacity of General Secretary, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), an affiliate of TUC for almost two decades before he joined the Congress in 2012.
“Comrade Akinsola was a staff of Dangote Flour Mill under OLAM. They were both seasoned Trade Unionists,” he said.
The union called on governments at all levels, especially the Federal Government to work towards securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
“As it stands, nowhere is safe now – we can not travel by air, road is not safe and neither is the rail. Is Nigeria a failed state? It is unfortunate.
“The Congress condoles with the families and friends of our comrades and the good people of Kogi State for this irreparable loss,” the statement added.
362 passengers on board train, eight bodies recovered- Kaduna govt
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Government, has disclosed that eight bodies have so far been recovered from the scene of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
The train was ambushed by gunmen on Monday night few minutes away from the Kaduna station.
On Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor had said, “seven Nigerians were killed, 29 others wounded and some were kidnapped, and we are yet to establish the exact number.”
But another statement by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said 362 passengers boarded the train, according to the manifest.
He said search operations are ongoing as several people are still unaccounted for.
“The Kaduna State Government has received from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the detailed passenger manifest for the Abuja-Kaduna train service AK9 which was attacked by terrorists on Monday.
“According to the documents received, 398 passengers bought tickets for the trip, but 362 were validated as having boarded the train through the recognised turnstile.
“The passenger manifest does not include NRC staff and security officials who were on board.
“Furthermore, security agencies have reported that eight bodies were recovered and 26 perons injured during the attack.
“Investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the status of the passengers who were on board the train and remain unaccounted for at the time of this update. Search operations are also being sustained.
“Citizens are requested to contact the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency on the phone line 09088923398, to make enquiries or provide information regarding passengers who were on board the Abuja-Kaduna train AK9.
“Further updates will be communicated to the public,” the statement read.
