Passengers stranded as Abuja–Kaduna Train breaks down near Rijana

Passengers were left stranded for hours on Monday after a train operating on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor developed a fault near Rijana village along the route.

Checks by Daily Trust indicated that the train departed Kaduna at about 2:30 p.m. but encountered technical issues around Rijana, disrupting the scheduled two-and-a-half-hour journey to Abuja.

Sources said the breakdown forced the train to halt for several hours as efforts were made to restore operations, leaving commuters waiting anxiously on board.

Confirming the development, the Abuja Station Manager of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr. Modibbo, said in a WhatsApp message that a relief engine had been dispatched from Idu to assist the stalled train.

“Yes, we have sent a relief engine from Idu right now. It is almost at Jere to proceed with the journey. The train is currently on its way from Kaduna,” he said.

He added that a passenger had also notified the corporation that the reserve engine was already en route to provide support.

According to him, armed security personnel were deployed around the train to safeguard passengers, who remained calm while awaiting the arrival of the relief engine.

The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor remains a critical transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, serving as a preferred option for many commuters amid persistent security concerns along the highway.