The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following a train derailment on Tuesday morning.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension while briefing journalists in Abuja, saying technical staff from the corporation, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies were already on site conducting investigations.
He dismissed reports suggesting the trains were not in good condition and confirmed that refunds had been initiated for all passengers affected.
According to Opeifa, six passengers sustained minor injuries and have since received treatment. He noted that the exact number of passengers on board was yet to be determined.
The NRC chief also visited some of the passengers at Asham and Idu train stations in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the NSIB confirmed that it had launched a full probe into the derailment. Its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said preliminary findings indicated no fatalities, though six passengers were injured.
The Bureau said a team of investigators had been dispatched to the site to gather evidence, engage stakeholders, and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
NSIB Director-General, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy for those affected, assuring the public of a thorough and transparent inquiry.
“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,” Badeh said.
The Bureau added that the probe would examine both direct and underlying causes, with recommendations expected to help prevent future occurrences.
The derailment occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with many scrambling for safety.
