By Esther Ososanya
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the derailment of its Abuja-Kaduna train service on Tuesday morning, sparking fresh safety concerns over one of Nigeria’s busiest railway corridors.
According to a statement signed by NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, the train derailed at about 11:09 am at KM 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations, while heading to Kaduna. The incident occurred close to Asham station, a mid-point on the route that has seen increased passenger traffic in recent years.
Eyewitnesses reported panic among passengers as some coaches went off the tracks, forcing an emergency halt. The number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, but NRC said injured passengers were being attended to.
Opeifa noted that medical personnel, emergency rescue teams, and nearby hospitals had been mobilised immediately to provide support. Security agencies were also deployed to the scene to ensure order and assist in evacuating stranded passengers.
“All passengers are safe, and efforts are ongoing to move them back to Abuja,” Opeifa assured in the NRC statement posted on its official X handle @info_NRC.
Cause Under Investigation
The NRC has yet to disclose the cause of the derailment. While derailments can result from track failure, vandalism, or mechanical faults, Opeifa said investigations were already underway to determine what went wrong.
The Abuja-Kaduna railway line, inaugurated in 2016, is one of Nigeria’s flagship rail projects and a major alternative to the dangerous Abuja-Kaduna highway plagued by bandit attacks. The route transports thousands of passengers weekly, including government officials, business executives, and students.
However, it has also faced security and operational challenges. In March 2022, terrorists attacked a Kaduna-bound train, killing at least eight people and abducting dozens, an incident that shook national confidence in the railway system.
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The latest derailment raises fresh concerns about the safety and reliability of rail transportation in Nigeria. Passengers have repeatedly called for stronger safety measures, routine track maintenance, and modern signalling systems to prevent accidents.
Opeifa appealed for calm and patience from Nigerians, promising that a full investigation will be conducted and findings made public.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
