BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a railway incident on the Rigasa–Idu passenger corridor in Kaduna and Abuja, which left several passengers injured but caused no fatalities.
The occurrence took place at about 09:16 hours along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State, a portion of track situated on a downward gradient. The train, designated KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station as part of its scheduled journey to Idu Station, Abuja.
Operating within its scheduled service window of 07:15 to 10:01, the train arrived at Jere Station at 08:52 and departed at 08:59. A rear locomotive was attached at Jere to provide additional traction for the remainder of the journey. Shortly after departure, the rear locomotive detached and rolled forward, striking the train’s rear.
At the time of the incident, the train comprised two locomotives (front and rear), one power car, two business class coaches, and six standard passenger coaches, carrying 429 passengers, 46 crew members, and 24 security personnel.
Immediate response measures were activated by onboard NRC personnel and security teams, and medical staff provided first aid to injured passengers. The train proceeded to Idu Station, Abuja, arriving around 10:39 hours, where further assistance was extended.
NSIB investigators have begun gathering evidence and analyzing operational and technical factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems, infrastructure, and operational procedures, to determine the root causes of the incident.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB, expressed concern for passengers affected and commended the swift response of railway and emergency personnel.
“This incident reminds us that every transport journey carries the trust and expectations of hundreds of people who rely on the system to move them safely to their destination. Our thoughts are with the passengers who sustained injuries, and we commend the swift response of Nigerian Railway Corporation personnel and emergency teams who assisted those affected,” Badeh said.
He emphasised that NSIB will investigate all relevant factors thoroughly to ensure lessons learned lead to safer railway operations nationwide.
“The Bureau approaches every investigation with a deep sense of responsibility because behind every occurrence are real people, real families, and real consequences. We will carefully examine every factor to understand what happened and prevent recurrence,” he added.
NSIB will collaborate closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant agencies throughout the investigation. Further updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols and operational vigilance in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding rail sector.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
