ABUJA–KADUNA TRAIN DERAILMENT: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, panic gripped passengers traveling on the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor after a passenger train derailed shortly after leaving Abuja. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. between Kubwa and Asham, a stretch often referred to as the Idda sub-station corridor.
Emergency responders confirmed that six to seven passengers sustained injuries, with conflicting reports over whether one passenger lost their life. Some sources, including the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), confirmed only injuries, while other accounts reported a single fatality involving a passenger caught in the train’s toilet during the derailment.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) quickly led a coordinated rescue effort, with support from the military, police, civil defense, immigration, and other agencies. Injured passengers received first aid before being transferred to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
Following the accident, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) immediately suspended all Abuja–Kaduna train operations pending a full investigation. The NRC also announced that affected passengers will be entitled to ticket refunds. Meanwhile, the NSIB has deployed a specialized team to examine the tracks, train coaches, and overall safety systems to determine the root cause of the derailment.
Although train services along this corridor have been generally reliable since their introduction, this incident rekindles safety concerns, especially given the route’s previous challenges with vandalism and insecurity. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue.
As of now, the derailment has not been linked to sabotage, but official findings are still awaited. The priority remains the recovery of injured passengers, restoring confidence in rail transportation, and preventing future occurrences.
The Abuja–Kaduna railway line is a lifeline for thousands of travelers who prefer it as a safer and faster alternative to the highway. Today’s incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to maintain and safeguard this critical infrastructure.
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