The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the derailment incident involving the Abuja-Kaduna train at the Jere corridor. The incident, which occurred in a mountainous area near Jere, has prompted concerns and questions regarding the safety protocols and infrastructure of Nigeria’s railway system.
According to Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s spokesperson, the agency became aware of the derailment of an Abuja-bound train from Kaduna halfway into its journey at Jere. A specialized team has been dispatched to the site to assess the situation and gather relevant information.
The train, carrying numerous passengers, commenced its journey from the Rigasa train station in Kaduna on a Sunday morning. However, as it progressed towards Abuja, three carriages reportedly derailed, causing disruption and alarm among passengers.
In response to the incident, security personnel, including the police and army, were swiftly deployed to the site to provide assistance and ensure the safety of those affected.
Despite the derailment, the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured passengers that normal train services between Kaduna-Rigasa and Idu-Abuja will continue uninterrupted. Yakub Mahmood, the NRC spokesperson, emphasized that the derailment would not impede operations, and all passengers aboard the affected route arrived safely at their destinations.
Mahmood further stated that a team of NRC engineers has been mobilized to the site to restore the affected sections of the railway infrastructure. He expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and reiterated the NRC’s commitment to prioritizing safety and comfort.
