THE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following a derailment that occurred today.
The NRC’s Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the suspension while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He explained that technical teams from the corporation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant agencies, were already at the site to investigate the incident.
Opeifa stated that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have been treated.
While the total number of passengers on board has yet to be confirmed, he noted that refunds for affected travelers are already being processed.
He also dismissed reports suggesting that the trains were unfit for service.
The derailment happened around 11 a.m., shortly after the train departed Abuja for Kaduna. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as passengers scrambled for safety.
Meanwhile, the NSIB has launched a formal investigation.
Its Director of Public Affairs, Bimbo Oladeji, said a go-team had been deployed to gather evidence and liaise with stakeholders.
NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy to the injured and stressed that the Bureau’s priority was uncovering the root cause of the derailment to enhance railway safety.
“The Bureau has deployed investigators to ensure a transparent and independent probe. Our goal is to prevent future occurrences and make rail transport safer for Nigerians,” Badeh said.
The Bureau added that its investigation would examine both immediate and underlying factors responsible for the derailment, with recommendations to follow.