The Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed that 26 passengers and crew members sustained injuries following a train incident along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor on Monday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday via his X handle, the Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, disclosed that the incident occurred at about 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station when a loud bang was heard as part of the train formation collided.
According to Opeifa, the Kaduna–Abuja service, identified as KA-2, had earlier departed Rigassa Station at 7:15 a.m. and arrived at Jere Station slightly ahead of schedule at 8:52 a.m.
He explained that the train later departed Jere Station at 8:59 a.m., about six minutes behind schedule, due to the coupling of locomotive 2809 to the rake to enhance operational resilience before continuing its journey.
The unexpected collision within the train formation triggered panic among passengers, many of whom were jolted by the impact. Emergency protocols were immediately activated, with railway officials and onboard personnel attending to the injured.
Although no fatalities were reported, those affected sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly taken for medical attention. Authorities have since assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety and recovery.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail line, a critical transport link between Abuja and Kaduna, is widely used by commuters seeking a safer alternative to road travel. Monday’s incident, however, has raised fresh concerns about operational safety and maintenance standards on the route.
The NRC boss stated that a full investigation into the cause of the incident is underway, adding that findings will guide further actions to prevent a recurrence.
Passengers and stakeholders have called for strengthened safety protocols and regular equipment checks to sustain confidence in the rail system, which remains a vital component of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
