The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route following a derailment incident that occurred on Tuesday morning. The Managing Director of NRC, Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension while addressing journalists in Abuja, stating that the measure would remain in place until investigations were concluded. He disclosed that technical staff of the corporation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant agencies, are currently at the site conducting a detailed probe into the cause of the derailment.
Opeifa dismissed suggestions that the trains were not in good condition, assuring that refunds had already been initiated for all passengers affected. He added that some of the passengers were received at Asham Station and Idu Train Station in Abuja after being evacuated. According to him, six passengers sustained minor injuries in the incident and have since received medical attention. However, the exact number of passengers on board has not yet been confirmed.
Meanwhile, the NSIB confirmed it has commenced a full investigation into the derailment. Its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, stated that preliminary findings indicate six passengers were injured but no lives were lost. A team of investigators has been deployed to the scene to collect evidence, liaise with stakeholders, and determine the circumstances leading to the derailment.
The Director-General of the Bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy to those affected, emphasizing the Bureau’s commitment to uncovering the root causes of the accident. He assured that the probe would not only look at direct causes but also underlying safety and operational factors. “Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation,” Badeh said, adding that recommendations would be issued to prevent future occurrences.
The derailment occurred along the Kaduna corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja at about 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with some scrambling to safety as coaches veered off the track. Both NRC and NSIB have pledged to provide continuous updates as the investigation progresses and extended support to all passengers affected by the incident.
