An Abuja-bound train derailed along the Abuja-Kaduna route on the morning of June 12, 2024, marking the third such incident within a span of two weeks.
News About Nigeria reports that the previous derailments occurred on May 26 and June 5, 2024.
An anonymous staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident to the Guardian, stating, “We are still working on it,” when asked if the problem had been rectified.
Former Senator Shehu Sani hinted that a top managing director was on board during the derailment.
Meanwhile, an X user, Norbert Shialsuk, commented at 11:47 am, “We were lucky it happened when we got to Abuja. Imagine this happening in the bush.”
As of now, the NRC has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
In response to the repeated derailments, the House of Representatives summoned the Minister of Transportation on June 11, 2024, to explain the persistent issues plaguing the Abuja-Kaduna train services.
The minister, along with other relevant stakeholders in the railway sector, is expected to appear before the House Committee on Land Transportation to discuss measures to prevent further occurrences.
The House directed the committee to conduct an immediate investigation into the causes of these recurring derailments and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent importance sponsored by Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo.
The motion pointed out the alarming frequency of derailments and the significant economic and social role of the Abuja-Kaduna train services.
“The House is concerned that the Abuja-Kaduna train services convey a significant number of passengers and goods, playing a huge economic and social role in Nigeria,” the motion stated.
It stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent potential national calamities due to repeated derailments.
