The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the suspension of operations on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor following a passenger train derailment on Tuesday morning that left at least six people injured.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m., shortly after the train departed Abuja for Kaduna. Eyewitnesses said the derailment sparked panic, with some passengers scrambling out of the cabins in fear of a possible attack, given the route’s history of insecurity.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the suspension, stressing that train services would remain halted until investigations are concluded and full safety measures are assured.
Opeifa confirmed that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have since received medical attention. He explained that the exact number of passengers on board was still being verified.
“We have initiated refund processes for all ticket holders. Our technical staff, in collaboration with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other agencies, are on site carrying out investigations,” he said.
The NRC boss also dismissed speculations that the trains were poorly maintained, stressing that the suspension was a precautionary measure.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that it had dispatched a special “go-team” to the site to collect evidence, engage stakeholders, and determine the root cause of the derailment.
NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, but reiterated that six passengers sustained injuries.
Quoting the Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the Bureau expressed sympathy with those affected.
“We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. Our investigators are on ground to uncover the cause of this derailment. The NSIB is committed to ensuring safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation,” Badeh stated.
The Bureau added that the probe would focus on both the immediate cause and the underlying systemic factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Some passengers described the moments after the derailment as chaotic, with many scrambling to safety, fearing a possible attack reminiscent of the 2022 train attack on the same route.
A survivor who spoke to reporters at the Idu Train Station, Abuja, said: “People were terrified. Everyone thought it was another terrorist attack. It was pure confusion before officials assured us it was just a derailment.”
The NSIB confirmed it is providing support to affected passengers and their families while promising to release interim findings soon.
The NRC has also opened hotlines for passengers seeking refunds and further information.
With the NRC suspension in place and the NSIB investigation ongoing, questions about rail safety, maintenance standards, and emergency response remain at the fore.