The ruling Congress of All Progressives (APC) accused the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) of seeking to profit from the assassinations in the country.
The APC, in a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Félix Morka, on Friday, alleged that the PDP seeks to take advantage of the tragedy facing the country to return to power.
PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba had said in a statement that the ruling party went on a spree at its March 26 National Convention when the country was on fire.
He was referring to the recent attacks on Kaduna airport and a train bound for Kaduna.
But in response, Morka said it was insensitive and irresponsible for the opposition party to try to politicize a terror attack.
“It is absolutely inconceivable, insensitive and irresponsible that the PDP seeks to politicize a terrorist attack that shortened the lives of our loved ones for its low interest. Given that Nigerians have grown accustomed to the brazen frivolity of the PDP, the occasion of a national tragedy is not exactly a good time for puerile mischief.” He said.
“As the PDP wades through the mud trying to find electoral gold, President Muhammadu Buhari, in a quick response to this tragic event, met with security chiefs and ordered the immediate conclusion of all processes for the implementation of the System. Integrated Surveillance and Security Monitoring. (ISSM) for the Abuja-Kaduna railway line, as well as the extension of the ISSM solution to cover the Lagos-Ibadan railway line”.
Morka said that the president further directed the rescue of all kidnapped passengers and ordered the search for the perpetrators of these terrorist acts, adding that the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) was also instructed to promptly repair the damaged lines and restore services without delay.
The APC spokesman said that a number of senior administration officials visited and expressed condolences to bereaved families and provided support and care for those injured in the attack, while the PDP continues to engage in idle slander.
He said: “APC mourns our dearly departed and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our dearly departed and the injured and missing. Our party remains committed to working with the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators of these despicable acts to justice.”
renewed attacks
In recent days, the country has witnessed new attacks by terrorists in the north and other militias in the southeastern region.
Last week, bandits attacked Kaduna airport killing a guard and also bombed a train bound for Kaduna, killing eight people and kidnapping several more.
Some communities in Kaduna State, notably Giwa and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas, have also recently witnessed new terrorist attacks.
Faced with the renewed attacks, several legislators, from the ruling party, have also sounded the alarm about the general insecurity in the country.
On Thursday, during a debate on a motion on the Kaduna killings, several APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives condemned the attacks, while some also called for the removal of National Security Adviser Babangana Monguno.
Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi also blamed his colleagues at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for blocking a proposal to purchase surveillance equipment to monitor trains.
Furthermore, the governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, also blamed the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) for not heeding the warning to stop overnight train services.