Panic erupted Tuesday morning when an Abuja-Kaduna passenger train derailed just minutes after departure, leaving dozens stranded and families anxious for news. The incident occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m. at Kilometre 49 along the rail corridor between Kubwa and Asham stations.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the derailment of its Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), stating that the train had left the nation’s capital around 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna when it suddenly veered off the tracks. While no official injuries or fatalities have been reported, the scene quickly descended into chaos as passengers scrambled to exit the halted carriages in fear and confusion.
Eyewitnesses described a jarring sequence of events. “There was a loud screech, then a violent jolt,” said Bola Ahmed, a civil servant who was on board. “People were thrown from their seats. Some were screaming, others were crying. We didn’t know what was happening at first.”
Security sources confirmed that military and police personnel were swiftly dispatched to the site to assist in evacuating passengers and securing the area. Emergency rescue teams, including paramedics and medical personnel, were also mobilized, with nearby hospitals placed on alert.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa confirmed the derailment and assured the public that all necessary measures were being taken. “The safety of our passengers remains our top priority,” Opeifa said. “Full security detail is on the ground, and efforts are ongoing to transport all affected passengers safely back to Abuja.”
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. However, early speculation points to possible track defects or mechanical failure, though officials have yet to confirm any theory. The NRC has launched a full inquiry and has suspended operations on the affected section of the line pending safety assessments.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line, inaugurated in 2016 as part of Nigeria’s broader rail modernization efforts, has been a vital transportation link for civil servants, business travelers, and students. While generally considered safe, this incident marks one of the most serious disruptions on the route in recent years.
Passenger services were temporarily suspended following the incident, causing delays and frustration at both Abuja and Kaduna stations. Families of those on board expressed relief upon learning that all passengers had been evacuated unharmed, though many called for improved safety oversight and transparency from railway authorities.
As investigations continue, the NRC has pledged to provide regular updates and has promised a thorough review of maintenance and operational procedures to prevent future occurrences.
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