By Kingston Magare 16.3.2026
Several passengers were left injured Monday morning as a Kaduna-Abuja train malfunctioned when the real locomotive detached and slammed into the coaches, while the train was moving downward on a slope near Asham in Kaduna State.
The incident occurred at about 9.16am as the Abuja bound train left the Jere Station. About 429 passengers, 46 crew and 24 security personals were on board. According to a passenger on the train Sada Malumfashi there was a loud bang followed by a jolt.
“We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Passengers got hit and most are bleeding and severely injured,” Malumfashi said.
He added that the train remained on the site of the incident for about 30 minutes before it continued its journey towards Kubwa in Abuja. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said they have commenced investigations into the incident
Nigeria Railway Corporation managing director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa confirmed the development.
“It is confirmed that our Abuja-Kaduna train had an incident at Asham. Passengers were injured while an investigation is ongoing into the exact cause of the incident,” he said.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail has suffered many disruptions to services due to derailments. In 2025 there were at least two derailments.
This worrisome development made the Senate to launch a nationwide probe into rail failures. It established a committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the persistent derailments of the country’s rail lines.