Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails Near Idah Village, Passengers Stranded Amid Security Concerns
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A Kaduna-bound passenger train departing from the Kubwa Train Station in Abuja derailed on Tuesday morning, forcing an abrupt halt and leaving travelers stranded in a security-prone zone near Idah Village, close to the premises of the SCC Company.
The train, which departed Kubwa at 10:05 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive at the Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna by 12:15 p.m., veered off track just 15 minutes into the journey. The incident triggered panic among passengers, many of whom hurriedly disembarked as onboard security personnel called for reinforcements to secure the area.
Eyewitnesses recounted moments of fear during the derailment. “We had barely left Kubwa when the train started shaking violently, and then it stopped. Everyone was scared because this area is known for security issues,” a passenger told Time Nigeria under condition of anonymity.
As of press time, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had not released any official statement regarding passenger numbers, possible injuries, or the cause of the derailment.
The Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor has long been a flashpoint for safety concerns. On March 28, 2022, terrorists attacked a passenger train on the route, killing several people and abducting scores of others. Since then, operations have been plagued by service disruptions, temporary shutdowns, and persistent concerns over track maintenance and safety infrastructure.
Transport experts have urged authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the latest derailment, citing possible causes ranging from equipment failure and human error to poor maintenance or sabotage. They also called for urgent reforms, including modern signaling systems, real-time monitoring technologies, and stricter safety standards to prevent future incidents.
Security operatives remain on site to protect stranded passengers, while reinforcements are being deployed. Passengers scheduled for later trips along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor have been advised to await official updates on service status.
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