By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor after several passengers sustained injuries during the journey.
According to a statement issued by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the incident occurred at about 09:16 a.m. along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station. The section of track where the event took place is located on a downward gradient.
The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna on its scheduled trip to Idu Station in Abuja. The service, scheduled between 07:15 a.m. and 10:01 a.m., arrived at Jere Station at about 08:52 a.m. before departing again at 08:59 a.m. to continue the journey.
The bureau explained that a rear locomotive was attached to the train at Jere Station to provide additional operational support for the remainder of the trip along the corridor.
However, shortly after leaving Jere Station, the rear locomotive became detached while the train moved along the downward gradient toward the Asham section. The detached locomotive rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, leading to what the bureau described as a serious operational occurrence.
At the time of the incident, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, one power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches. The train was carrying 429 passengers, with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel also onboard.
Although no fatalities were recorded, some passengers sustained injuries. Personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and onboard security officials immediately responded to the situation, while medical personnel provided first aid assistance to those affected.
Following the incident, the train continued its journey and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., where additional assistance was provided to passengers.
Investigators from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau have begun collecting evidence and analysing the circumstances surrounding the occurrence. The investigation will examine technical, operational and infrastructure factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems, operational procedures and relevant operational data.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to determining the cause of the incident.
He noted that transport systems carry the trust and expectations of hundreds of passengers who rely on them to reach their destinations safely. Badeh added that the bureau would carefully examine all relevant factors to understand what happened and ensure that lessons from the incident improve railway safety in Nigeria.
The bureau said it would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant agencies as the investigation progresses.
Earlier reports indicated that passengers travelling on the Abuja-bound train from Kaduna were left stranded after the train reportedly collided with another train along the rail corridor, temporarily halting operations on the route.
One passenger who shared her experience on social media said commuters heard a loud bang before the train jolted to a stop, causing panic among passengers and briefly disrupting the journey. The train later resumed its trip toward Abuja after the incident.
