JUST IN: NSIB Confirms Six Injured in Abuja–Kaduna Train Accident

The Abuja–Kaduna rail line is one of Nigeria’s most significant and frequently used transport routes, especially since insecurity along the Abuja–Kaduna highway has forced many travelers to opt for rail travel. The accident occurred just a few kilometers outside Jere station, around 9:45 am, as passengers onboard recounted hearing unusual sounds before a sudden jolt threw several coaches off balance. Panic broke out as passengers rushed to safety, and the train came to an abrupt halt.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people scrambling to exit the affected coaches. Though no fatalities were recorded, NSIB confirmed that at least six passengers were injured, ranging from minor bruises to more severe fractures. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized, providing first aid and transporting injured passengers to nearby hospitals.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Onyia, said in a press briefing that investigators had already commenced a thorough probe into the causes of the accident. While he stressed that full details would only emerge after the conclusion of the investigation, he noted that early evidence pointed to a combination of infrastructural weaknesses and possible lapses in technical maintenance.

“We can confirm that six passengers sustained injuries, and thankfully, no deaths were recorded. Our priority is the safety of Nigerians who depend on rail transport. We have deployed our technical team to the site, and we will work with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future,” Onyia said.

Shortly after the incident, the Nigerian Railway Corporation released a statement expressing regret over the accident and assuring the public that all passengers had been accounted for. The NRC also announced that temporary suspension of train services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor might be necessary to allow for repairs and safety checks.

The Minister of Transportation also weighed in, describing the accident as “deeply unfortunate” and pledging that the government would do everything within its power to strengthen the country’s rail infrastructure. He emphasized that the Abuja–Kaduna line, which was commissioned in 2016, had been designed to provide safe and modern travel but was now in urgent need of upgrading and consistent maintenance.

Several passengers who survived the ordeal shared their harrowing experiences with journalists. One commuter, a businesswoman traveling to Kaduna for a trade fair, recounted how she was thrown off her seat when the train jolted suddenly. “I thought it was the end for us. Everyone was screaming, children were crying, and the whole place was in disarray,” she said. Another passenger described how he injured his arm while trying to shield his wife and two young children from falling luggage.

Psychologists have warned that even though the accident did not result in fatalities, many passengers may suffer long-term trauma from the experience, especially since Nigeria’s train system has faced several high-profile incidents in recent years.

This latest accident adds to a troubling history of incidents along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor. In March 2022, gunmen attacked a train along the same route, killing at least eight people and abducting dozens of passengers. That tragic event forced the suspension of train services for several months, with operations only resuming after improved security measures were introduced.

While Monday’s derailment was not linked to insecurity, it highlights another layer of concern—safety standards and technical efficiency. Experts argue that unless Nigeria invests heavily in maintaining its rail infrastructure, accidents like this may become more frequent. Many have urged the government to not only prioritize security but also enhance routine checks, track repairs, and train modernization.

News of the accident quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread debate. While some Nigerians expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, others criticized the authorities for what they described as neglect and poor safety oversight. The hashtag #AbujaKadunaTrain trended for hours on Twitter (X), with commuters demanding accountability and reforms.

One user tweeted, “First insecurity, now accidents. How safe are we on this train anymore?” Another wrote, “We thank God for sparing lives, but government must do more. This is a wake-up call.” Such reactions reflect the growing frustration among citizens who rely on rail transport as a safer alternative to traveling on Nigeria’s dangerous highways.

Transport experts and civil society groups have called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action. Some have recommended an independent audit of the railway system to identify weaknesses and propose urgent solutions. Others have emphasized the need for modern technology, such as automated safety monitoring systems, to detect faults before accidents occur.

Furthermore, some analysts argue that Nigeria should emulate countries like South Africa and Egypt, which have invested heavily in rail modernization projects, ensuring better safety and reliability. “It is not enough to build railways; maintaining them is even more critical,” one transport consultant noted.

The Abuja–Kaduna rail line has been a lifeline for thousands of Nigerians, especially businesspeople, government officials, and students. Its affordability and relative safety compared to the highway have made it the preferred mode of transportation for many. However, frequent incidents could undermine public confidence, potentially reducing patronage and affecting revenue for the NRC.

On a broader scale, transport safety impacts economic growth, as businesses rely on efficient and reliable mobility. A loss of trust in the rail system could push more commuters back onto dangerous highways, further straining Nigeria’s security apparatus and economy.

As investigations continue, NSIB has promised transparency and accountability. The bureau has also urged passengers with information, photos, or videos of the incident to come forward to aid the probe. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the NRC and the Ministry of Transportation to not only fix the damaged track but also introduce systemic reforms that will enhance safety and restore public confidence.

Many Nigerians believe that beyond the immediate response, the government must commit to long-term investment in rail infrastructure, adopting international best practices, and creating a culture of proactive maintenance. Only then can rail transport fulfill its promise as a safe, reliable, and sustainable alternative to road travel.

The Abuja Kaduna train accident, which left six passengers injured, is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s transportation system. While the absence of fatalities is a relief, the incident highlights pressing concerns over infrastructure, maintenance, and passenger safety. As investigations proceed, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the government and relevant agencies will treat this as a wake-up call or allow it to become yet another incident in a long list of transport failures. For the thousands who depend daily on this vital railway, restoring safety and trust is not just important it is essential.