By Jide Francis
Society Page Editor
A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna on Tuesday morning derailed, leaving several carriages overturned and sparking panic among those on board.
Sources revealed that the incident occurred along the busy corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. on its way to Kaduna. The derailment caused passengers to scramble for safety, with many describing the scene as chaotic and terrifying.
An eyewitness recounted how the derailment struck without warning, creating confusion as passengers rushed out of the cabins.
“It was complete pandemonium. People who had managed to escape were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic. We cannot confirm if everyone is safe yet, but we are praying that all passengers make it out alive,” the witness said.
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, noting that a rescue operation is ongoing at the scene.
“I don’t want to say much for now, but the incident is confirmed and rescue operations are underway as we speak,” he stated.
Although the exact cause of the derailment has not yet been determined, no casualties have been officially reported.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor is one of Nigeria’s busiest, serving hundreds of commuters daily. However, the line has faced repeated challenges, including the March 2022 terrorist attack in which several passengers were killed and many abducted.
Tuesday’s derailment has once again raised concerns over the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.
