Train Services Halted on Abuja-Kaduna Route Following Derailment
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has temporarily suspended train services on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following a derailment incident.
The announcement was made by NRC’s Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, during a press briefing in Abuja, just hours after the event.
Opeifa confirmed that technical experts from the NRC, along with personnel from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant bodies, are currently at the site conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the derailment.
Addressing concerns over the safety of the trains, Opeifa dismissed reports suggesting poor maintenance, insisting the fleet is in good condition.
He also noted that full ticket refunds are being processed for all affected passengers.
The NRC chief later visited passengers at both the Asham and Idu train stations in Abuja.
He reported that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have received medical attention.
However, he acknowledged that the exact number of passengers onboard at the time of the incident remains unclear.
NSIB Launches Official Probe
The NSIB has officially begun investigating the derailment.
According to Bimbo Oladeji, the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, initial findings confirm that six individuals were injured, though no fatalities have been reported.
A response team has been dispatched to the site to gather evidence, coordinate with stakeholders, and determine what led to the derailment.
NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy for those affected and emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to uncovering the root cause of the accident.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those injured. Our investigators are on site to ensure a transparent and independent inquiry. Our goal is to strengthen rail safety across the country,” Badeh stated.
The investigation will explore both immediate and systemic causes of the derailment, with recommendations expected to help prevent similar incidents in the future. Regular updates will be shared as the probe continues.
NSIB also assured continued support for passengers affected by the disruption.
The derailment occurred on Tuesday, shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m., heading toward Kaduna. Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with passengers scrambling for safety.
