By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Passengers aboard the Abuja-Kaduna train service were thrown into panic on Tuesday morning when a coach derailed around Jere town in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:00 a.m., left passengers stranded as they scrambled for safety. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
A passenger who spoke about the incident described the scene as chaotic, saying the sudden derailment forced many to rush out in fear of a possible attack.
Security operatives, including military personnel, were swiftly deployed to the scene to secure the area and reassure commuters, given the history of security concerns on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has since confirmed the derailment. In a statement signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said:
“NRC confirms a train derailment involving its Kaduna-bound AKTS train service at about 11:09 at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station. Emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals have already been mobilised. A full complement of security personnel is already on the ground as efforts are ongoing to move all passengers on the train back to Abuja safely. Kindly bear with us at this moment.”
The latest incident adds to growing safety concerns on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS). In May 2024, a similar derailment was recorded on the route, sparking calls for urgent infrastructure upgrades.
