Train Attack: How Six Soldiers Were Killed

By Gideon Njoku

While Nigerians await the full identities of those killed, injured, or kidnapped in the bombing of the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna Train on Monday, March 28, this magazine can authoritatively confirm that six gallant soldiers were killed by the terrorists during the horrendous attack.

It is not known, however, if the soldiers were, as usual, attached to the Train coaches to provide security for the ill-fated trip, or if they were ambushed as they rushed down for a rescue operation.

But as it turned out, they were very few, and perhaps poorly equipped, when compared to the number of the Terrorists and their sophisticated weapons “of war” which included explosives.

As the bombed Train screeched to a tragic halt, and the terrorists swamped on the train and began shooting, the gallant soldiers responded. But their response provided no comfort. They were overwhelmed by the terrorists, who mowed them down.

Their bodies lay, helplessly, having succumbed to death in the defense of their fatherland.

Both the Kaduna State Government and the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, have confirmed eight fatalities (so far). It is not, however, known if the soldiers were among the disclosed fatalities.