The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in fulfilling its pledge to provide updates on the bombed Kaduna-bound train, has lamented that 51 phone numbers on the passengers’ manifest are till date, unreachable.
It also confirmed the safety of additional 14 persons on board the ill-fated train.
With this development, the total number of persons now confirmed safe has risen to 186.
In an update signed by NRC Managing Director, Eng. Fidet Okhiria, the corporation said two coaches earlier re-railed had been moved to the Rigasa station, Kaduna state.
“186 persons on the manifest are confirmed to be safe and at their various homes (additional 14 persons confirmed safe ).
“51 phone numbers on the manifest are either switched off or not reachable since Tuesday morning..
“35 phone numbers on the manifest when called are ringing but no response from the other end.
“60 phone numbers on the manifest when called responded non-existent.
“22 persons are reported missing by their relatives. 8 persons confirmed dead,” the update read in part,” the NRC stated.
However, the whereabouts of 146 persons remain unknown as the corporation said it had intensified efforts to trace more persons.
According to Okhiria, intensive work continues on the damaged tracks, adding, “more concrete slippers were moved to site while some section of twisted tracks has been straightened.”
