President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with passengers of the Abuja–Kaduna train that derailed on Tuesday shortly after departing Abuja at about 11 a.m.
Writing on his official X handle, Tinubu said he was awaiting a full briefing to guarantee swift action and adequate support for those affected. He stressed that measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence.
“Even while in Brazil, I 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.
“I am staying updated on the latest developments and await a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for all affected. The NRC is already addressing the situation, and necessary steps are expected to be taken to prevent similar occurrences,” Tinubu stated.
On Wednesday, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, accepted full responsibility for the derailment, emphasising that the investigation would not be swept aside.
“Beyond apologising to Nigerians, I must say as the managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. In matters of safety, there can be no indifference. Once such an incident happens, the chief executive must accept responsibility, and I am doing so,” Opeifa said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
He confirmed that four passengers sustained serious injuries, while two others had been discharged. He added that the NRC would follow up with the remaining 618 passengers to address possible post-traumatic effects.
Following the derailment, the NRC suspended operations on the Abuja–Kaduna route until further notice. Opeifa disclosed that NRC technical staff, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies were already investigating at the site.