The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has halted train services along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor indefinitely after Tuesday’s derailment.
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension during a media briefing in Abuja. He said that technical teams from the corporation, along with officials from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant bodies, are investigating the circumstances that led to the derailment.
Opeifa refuted claims of inadequate train maintenance, adding that refunds are being processed for passengers who had booked tickets. He confirmed that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have since been treated, but noted that the total number of passengers onboard remains unverified.
The NSIB has also commenced a full inquiry into the incident, which occurred at about 11:09 a.m. at KM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations. In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau revealed that a “go-team” of investigators had been dispatched to the site to collect evidence and engage with stakeholders.
NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., assured the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently, emphasizing that the outcome would contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future. He extended sympathy to the injured passengers and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to improving rail safety nationwide.
