NRC Breaks Silence Over Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment
By Odekunle Doyin
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Tuesday confirmed the derailment of a passenger train on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, assuring the public that all passengers are safe and that evacuation efforts are in progress.
The NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the incident occurred at 11:09 a.m. near kilometre 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms a train derailment involving our Kaduna-bound AKTS service at about 11:09 a.m. at KM 49, between Kubwa station and Asham station,” Opeifa stated.
He explained that emergency response teams, medical personnel, and security operatives were immediately deployed, with nearby hospitals placed on alert.
“Efforts are ongoing to move all passengers safely back to Abuja. We kindly urge the public to bear with us at this moment,” he added.
Previous Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The Abuja–Kaduna rail line, one of Nigeria’s busiest routes, has suffered repeated safety challenges ranging from operational failures to terrorist attacks.
- In May 2024, a train derailed near Jere in Kaduna State, leaving passengers stranded though no casualties were reported. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau later launched an inquiry.
- In March 2022, armed bandits ambushed a passenger train near Katari using explosives and gunfire. At least eight passengers were killed and more than 160 abducted in an attack that shook national confidence in rail transport.
Rail services on the corridor were suspended for eight months following the 2022 tragedy and resumed in December 2022 after government assurances of improved security. Yet, concerns persist over infrastructure maintenance and passenger safety.
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