The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed that the deadly bandits’ attack on the ill-fated Kaduna bound train could have been prevented.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, Amaechi noted that he warned that lives would be lost before the Abuja-Kaduna terror attack that claimed lives on Monday.
At least eight people were killed during the deadly attack which left at least 25 others injured and many others kidnapped by the terrorists.
Ameachi also revealed that he requested digital security and crime prevention equipment worth three billion naira but his request was denied.
“We knew what the problem would be. We knew we needed to have digital security equipment. We applied for it.
“Because if we had that equipment, you will see nobody on that track. And I warned that lives will be lost. Now, lives are lost. Eight persons dead, 25 persons in the hospital.
“We don’t know how many persons have been kidnapped. And the cost of that equipment is just N3 billion. The cost of what we’ve lost is more than N3 billion.
“We’ve lost tracks, we’ve lost locomotives and coaches. We’ve lost human beings. And the equipment is just N3 billion.
“To fix all the things on that track now, will cost us more than N3 billion. And now even the things we said give us the approval to buy – at the time we asked for it, a dollar was N400, now it is N500. When you come with sincerity to government and your colleagues and people are stopping you, it is annoying.”
