A passenger train operating on the critical Abuja-Kaduna route experienced a derailment on Tuesday morning, causing panic among passengers and renewing concerns over rail safety in Nigeria. The incident, which occurred around 11:00 AM within Jere town, specifically at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, initially left passengers stranded and scrambling for safety, though early reports suggested no injuries or fatalities.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) swiftly confirmed the derailment of its Kaduna-bound Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) at approximately 11:09 AM. In a statement released by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, the NRC assured the public that emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals had been promptly mobilized to the scene. Full security complements were also deployed, with efforts immediately underway to safely transport all affected passengers back to Abuja. The corporation appealed for calm and patience as authorities worked to manage the situation and restore normalcy.

Further updates from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) provided a more precise account of the incident's impact. The NSIB confirmed that a go-team was deployed to the site to gather evidence and commence an investigation. According to the bureau's Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, current information indicates that six passengers sustained injuries, though fortunately, no fatalities were recorded. The NSIB expressed its sympathy to those affected and committed to a thorough investigation to identify both direct and underlying factors leading to the derailment, with the ultimate goal of issuing safety recommendations to prevent future recurrences.

The Kaduna State Government also responded promptly, with Governor Uba Sani, currently abroad, expressing profound sympathy to the affected passengers. Through a statement by Commissioner-designate for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, the Governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Ministry of Local Government Affairs to swiftly coordinate evacuation efforts, provide immediate medical care, and activate psycho-social support services for traumatized individuals. Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors, urging citizens to remain calm as the situation was brought under control.

This latest incident casts a shadow on the Abuja-Kaduna railway, commissioned in 2016, which was designed as a safer alternative to the highway notorious for kidnappings and bandit attacks. Despite its initial promise, the route has faced repeated safety challenges. A significant attack by terrorists in March 2022 resulted in fatalities and abductions, severely shaking national confidence in rail security. Another derailment was recorded in May 2024. While Tuesday’s derailment has not been linked to sabotage, it has reignited public debate about the reliability and maintenance of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure. Both the state government and federal agencies, including the NSIB, are collaborating on investigations to ascertain the exact cause of the derailment and ensure comprehensive measures are taken to enhance rail safety.