It was observed that only a few cars were seen at the park about 30 minutes before the first train’s departure, indicating a low turnout of passengers.

It was also revealed that two traders were spotted at the station’s entrance selling face masks, while men from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen standing guard.

The management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), had announced over the weekend that the train service would resume on Monday, after 251 days  suspension of service.

The service was suspended on 28 March after an attack on the rail tracks by bandits.

However, it was gathered that National Identification Number (NIN) and phone number were part of the requirements needed from passengers before the issuance of tickets.

All the five ticketing points, passengers without the NIN were refused service despite pleas.

Fares were also reported to have increased since the service was suspended a few months ago.

The fare for the Abuja-Kaduna train service from Idu to Rigasa was reported to be N9,000 for 24-seater coaches, up from N7,000 previously.

While fares on 56 and 68-seater coaches are now N6,500, 88-seater coaches are N3,600, and minors are expected to pay N3,000.

Prior to the attack, minors paid N1,500, while passengers on the 56 and 68-seater coaches paid N5,000, and passengers on the 88-seater coaches paid between N2,600 and N3,000 depending on the time of the journey.

It was also discovered that the majority of the coaches were empty, with only a few passengers on board.