The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, (Ph.D.), in a Press Release shared with FunmiNews, has confirmed the safe evacuation of all 618 persons onboard a Kaduna-bound Abuja–Kaduna train that derailed earlier on Tuesday at Asham, Kaduna State. According to Dr. Opeifa, the passengers included 583 commuters, 15 NRC crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners, and 11 catering staff. Despite the tense situation, the NRC reported that all passengers were successfully rescued, though seven individuals sustained varying degrees of injury. The injured were immediately transported by ambulances to nearby hospitals for treatment, with medical personnel quickly mobilized to the scene.
In the Press Released signed by the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa (PhD), the Corporation disclosed that a rescue train dispatched from Idu safely conveyed the remaining passengers back to Idu and Kubwa stations. From there, they were able to return to their various destinations. The NRC assured the public of its commitment to passenger safety and revealed that its third-party ticketing company has been instructed to issue full refunds to all passengers affected by the incident.
The derailment has also prompted a formal investigation, which is already underway under the supervision of relevant agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation. Authorities are expected to examine the root cause of the accident, with emphasis on safety measures and preventive strategies to avoid a recurrence. The NRC emphasized that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, with findings made public upon conclusion.
Meanwhile, all Abuja–Kaduna Train Services (AKTS) have been temporarily suspended pending recovery operations, site clearance, and an official announcement of service resumption. The Corporation has apologized for the disruption and inconvenience caused, urging passengers and the general public to remain patient while necessary safety and operational checks are completed.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor remains one of the busiest in the country, serving as a vital link for thousands of commuters daily. The incident has once again brought rail safety and infrastructure maintenance into the spotlight, as stakeholders await the outcome of the ongoing investigation and the swift restoration of normal services.
