TheCable

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, says the lower legislative chamber will support the victims and families of the Kaduna train attack. 

In a statement issued on Thursday by Lanre Lasisi, special adviser to Gbajabiamila on media, the speaker said the incident should “renew our commitment to end the scourge of terrorism in Nigeria”. 

On March 28, a Kaduna-bound train was attacked by terrorists resulting in the killings of some passengers, while many others were abducted. 

On Wednesday, the federal government announced the rescue of the remaining passengers who were still in captivity. 

According to the statement, Gbajabiamila said the victims and their families will receive support from the federal government and house of representatives. 

“Yesterday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the release of fellow citizens kidnapped by terrorists in the unfortunate attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train seven months ago,” the statement reads.

“This is comforting news for the kidnapped victims and all Nigerians who carried them in our hearts, praying and hoping for a resolution to this unfortunate saga. 

“Now begins the process of healing and recovery for the victims and their families. This will not be easy.  These victims and their families deserve and will receive the support of this House of Representatives and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they work to rebuild their bodies and spirits and restore normalcy to their lives.

“This morning, I remember the ones we lost in this attack. I pray for the repose of their souls. And for the families who still mourn and miss them, I know that words will never be enough to convey your loss or reduce your grief. I pray that you will find peace and healing through the grace of God.  

“Like all the other terrorist attacks of the past two decades, this attack on the Kaduna-bound train has devastated lives and caused untold suffering”.  

The speaker said Nigerians have “suffered” from the activities of terrorists, adding that it’s time to end such attacks. 

“Too many people have suffered for too long. It’s past time to end this pain and suffering. We owe the victims, their families and all Nigerians a debt. That debt will only be fully paid when the perpetrators of this attack are identified and punished for their grievous sins against the nation,” he said. 

“I join all of you, all our fellow citizens and people of conscience, in welcoming home the released victims. May God bless the memory of the dead. May His love heal the wounded, and His grace comfort the bereaved.”