The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has publicly assumed full responsibility for the derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train near Asham station in Kaduna State on Tuesday.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Dr Opeifa characterised the incident as “serious,” emphasising that “some coaches and the locomotive capsized.”
He said: “As managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. In the case of safety, there is no indifference. This was not just a derailment; it was a derailment with capsizing.”
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries, though, miraculously, no fatalities were recorded.
Dr Opeifa specified that “four are serious, and another two or so were discharged immediately,” and assured that all 618 individuals on board, including crew, will be monitored for trauma.
He further highlighted the swift activation of emergency protocols: “Emergency protocols were activated immediately after the accident, with security agencies, the Kaduna state government, and federal health services deploying personnel to the scene.”
The MD explained that the crash occurred at a “point”, a railway junction at which trains switch tracks, and affirmed that this area would be a key focus in the investigation.
The NSIB is already on site, gathering evidence and engaging stakeholders as it works to ascertain whether the cause was human error, track failure, electromechanical malfunction, or other factors.
Addressing concerns about sabotage, he cautioned against speculation, noting the corridor’s robust security.
According to him, “Our tracks are safe from vandals and terrorists. The military, air force, police, civil defence, vigilantes and community security are all involved in protecting that corridor. Within minutes of the incident, a helicopter was deployed.”
Acknowledging existing service limitations, including poor coach conditions and malfunctioning toilets, Dr Opeifa assured that reforms are underway to raise service standards, including the adoption of aviation-style protocols.
Operations on the Abuja–Kaduna route remain suspended until NSIB completes its investigation and authorises reconstruction.
Dr Opeifa projected that once clearance is given, repairs could take up to 30 days.
“From the time they tell us the site is ready, I don’t see us spending more than 30 days to fix it. But before reopening, we may also conduct a complete safety audit,” he said.
Reassuring the public, he concluded: “An incident like this is not expected, is not prayed for, should not be happening, but where it does, it is to bring out the best in us.”
The derailment occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m. on 26 August, near KM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations.
Emergency responders, including medical teams, security personnel, and aid agencies, were deployed swiftly, and all passengers were either treated or evacuated safely.
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