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A major scare gripped passengers on Tuesday morning when a Kaduna-bound train departing from Abuja’s Kubwa Station derailed near Idah Village, forcing an abrupt halt in a security-vulnerable zone and sparking panic among travelers.

The train, which departed at 10:05 a.m. for Rigasa Station in Kaduna, veered off track barely 15 minutes into its journey, close to the premises of the SCC Company. Many passengers disembarked in fear as security operatives attached to the service urgently requested reinforcement.

NRC Explains Cause

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has since clarified the incident, attributing it to a hot axle—a mechanical fault caused by overheating and abnormal friction in one of the train’s wheels.

Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed that the affected train was later “marshalled safely” to Kaduna, stressing that there was no sabotage involved. He noted that business-class capacity was temporarily disrupted, with passengers in the affected coach being contacted and offered alternative arrangements.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers and assure the public that normal service has since resumed,” the NRC spokesperson said.

Passenger Panic

Eyewitnesses described chaotic moments as the train came to a violent stop.
“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,” one passenger told Time Nigeria under anonymity.

The incident revived painful memories of the March 28, 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, which claimed several lives and led to mass abductions.

Safety Questions Resurface

Transport experts insist the derailment underscores persistent safety lapses on the corridor, ranging from inadequate track maintenance to aging infrastructure. Calls have intensified for urgent investment in modern signaling systems, real-time monitoring technologies, and stricter safety protocols to safeguard passengers.

“The NRC must go beyond quick fixes. Passengers’ lives are at stake,” said one transport analyst in Abuja.

Security Reinforced

At the derailment site, security operatives maintained a cordon until reinforcements arrived to escort stranded passengers. Authorities have urged commuters on the corridor to remain calm as investigations continue.

The NRC has pledged a detailed probe into the derailment and promised stronger preventive measures going forward.

This incident, though contained without casualties, adds to the mounting pressure on Nigeria’s rail system to prove its reliability and safety as a critical alternative to the country’s insecure highways.