The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor until further notice following a derailment incident on Tuesday.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension during a press briefing in Abuja, just hours after the incident occurred.
According to Opeifa, a team comprising NRC technical staff, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies has been deployed to the site to investigate the cause of the derailment.
He confirmed that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have since received medical attention. However, the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the incident has not yet been determined.
Dismissing claims that the trains were in poor condition, Opeifa assured the public that ticket refunds have been initiated for all affected passengers. He also met with some passengers at Asham and Idu train stations in Abuja.
NSIB begins full investigation
In a separate statement, NSIB announced it has commenced a formal investigation into the derailment.
The Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed there were no fatalities, and reiterated that six passengers were treated for minor injuries.
A “go-team” of investigators has been dispatched to the site to collect evidence, engage stakeholders, and determine the root cause of the derailment.
NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy for those affected, stating: “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. Our investigators are on-site to uncover the cause of this derailment. The Bureau is committed to ensuring safer rail transport through a transparent and independent investigation.”
He added that the investigation would examine both the immediate and underlying causes of the derailment, with the aim of issuing recommendations to prevent future incidents.
NSIB also confirmed it is providing support to all affected passengers and will release updates as the investigation progresses.
The derailment occurred shortly after the train departed from Abuja at around 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with many scrambling for safety.
