NRC suspends Abuja-Kaduna Train Service after derailment, NSIB launches probe

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route following Tuesday’s train derailment.

Managing Director of NRC, Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension while addressing journalists in Abuja, explaining that technical staff of the corporation, alongside the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other agencies, are already at the scene to investigate the cause of the accident. He dismissed claims that the trains are in poor condition and confirmed that refunds are being processed for passengers.

Opeifa noted that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have since received treatment, although the exact number of people on board has not yet been confirmed. He also visited some of the passengers at Asham Station and Idu Train Station in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the NSIB has officially opened an investigation into the incident. The Bureau’s spokesperson, Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that no lives were lost, adding that a special team has been dispatched to gather evidence and interact with stakeholders.

NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy to victims, stating: “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”

The Bureau said the probe will look into both direct and underlying factors, after which safety recommendations will be issued to prevent future occurrences. Updates will be released as the investigation continues.

The train derailed around 11 a.m. on Tuesday shortly after leaving Abuja for Kaduna. Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as chaotic, with passengers scrambling to safety.