Kaduna–Abuja Train Develops Fault Midway, Leaves Passengers Stranded

Dozens of passengers heading to Abuja were left stranded on Thursday after the Kaduna–Abuja train developed a mechanical fault barely an hour into its journey.

The train, which departed Rigasa Station shortly after 2 p.m., reportedly came to a sudden halt midway through the trip before it began reversing back to Kaduna for repairs.

One of the passengers, who spoke to Leadership under anonymity, described the moment as confusing and unsettling.

“We didn’t understand what happened. The train suddenly stopped, and after some minutes, it started going back to Kaduna,” the passenger said.

A staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Kaduna confirmed the incident, noting that the train encountered technical problems en route.

“The 2 p.m. train ran into issues along the track and had to return to Kaduna for repairs,” the staff explained.

At the station, several Abuja-bound travellers were seen waiting, hoping for a quick fix. However, frustration soon set in, and some passengers decided to abandon the trip altogether and head back home.

The incident adds to growing concerns about the reliability of Nigeria’s rail services. It occurred just four days after the Warri–Itakpe train derailed in Adogo, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving passengers stranded for hours.

Confirming that derailment, Kogi State Police spokesperson, CSP William Ovye-Aya, said all passengers were safely evacuated to the Ajaokuta train station before being assisted to continue their journeys. He assured the public that there were no casualties, stressing that police officers acted swiftly after receiving the distress call.

While the NRC is yet to release an official statement on Thursday’s incident, the recurrence of such faults has left many Nigerians questioning the safety and maintenance standards of the country’s rail network.