Garba Mohammed
A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, throwing several carriages off the tracks and sparking scenes of panic among terrified commuters.
The incident occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. on its way to Kaduna, along the highly frequented corridor that has in recent years been marred by security fears and previous attacks. Eyewitnesses reported that the sudden derailment caused chaos, with passengers scrambling out of the carriages in confusion and fear.
Although no official figures on injuries or casualties have been released, emergency responders and military personnel were swiftly deployed to the site to evacuate stranded passengers and restore order.
Authorities are yet to provide clarity on the cause of the accident. Railway officials have also not issued a formal statement, fueling speculation about whether the derailment was due to technical failure, track damage, or other factors.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line, considered one of Nigeria’s busiest and most vital transport routes, has long been under intense public scrutiny following the March 2022 terrorist attack that left several passengers dead and dozens kidnapped. The latest incident will likely intensify calls for government action to ensure passenger safety on the corridor.
Further details are expected as investigations continue.