President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy to passengers affected by the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment, which occurred on Tuesday shortly after the train departed Abuja for Kaduna at around 11 a.m.
In a statement on his official X handle, Tinubu said he was deeply saddened by the incident and assured that necessary measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
“Even while in Brazil, I have received reports of today’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment. I am deeply saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured, their families, and all passengers who went through this distressing experience,” he stated.
The President noted that he was awaiting a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for those affected, adding that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) was addressing the situation.
Meanwhile, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, has taken full responsibility for the derailment. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Opeifa said safety is paramount and pledged transparency in the ongoing investigation.
“Beyond apologizing to Nigeria, I want to say as the managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. Once it happens, the chief executive must take responsibility,” he said.
Opeifa confirmed that four passengers sustained serious injuries, while at least two others were discharged after treatment. He also revealed that the NRC will follow up on the 618 passengers on board to address any post-traumatic effects.
Train services on the Abuja–Kaduna route have been suspended indefinitely, while technical staff and officials from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) continue investigations at the site.
