I take full responsibility for Abuja-Kaduna train accident – NRC MD
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, says he takes “full responsibility” for the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment that occurred on Tuesday.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Opeifa assured Nigerians that the ongoing investigation into the incident would be thorough and transparent.
“Beyond apologising to Nigerians, I want to state clearly, as the Managing Director and Chief Executive, I take full responsibility,” he said. “When it comes to safety, there is no room for indifference. Once something like this happens, the chief executive must own it, and I do.”
Casualties and Safety Measures
Opeifa confirmed that no one died in the incident but noted that four of the passengers sustained serious injuries. “Coming to the fatality and the casualties, there was no fatality.
READ ALSO: Chaos on Kaduna–Abuja rail line as train derails, several cabins overturn (Videos)
We thank God. That was a near miss because for this kind of accident or incident, you see some level of fatality, but we thank God for this,” he said. “And for those who were injured, four are serious, and another two or so were discharged immediately, and we will follow up on those that might still be in the hospital.”
He also added that the NRC would follow up with the other 618 people on the train to provide support for any “post-traumatic experience.” The MD stated that while the incident should not have happened, the NRC will ensure it doesn’t recur. He referenced a recent shutdown of the Warri-Itakpe route for safety reasons, where a track was cut and replaced.
When asked if sabotage was suspected, Opeifa said it would be premature to comment, deferring to the ongoing investigation.
READ ALSO: 6 passengers injured in Abuja-Kaduna train derailment – NSIB
However, he emphasised that the tracks are monitored by the military and have not had issues with “banditry, terrorism attack along that corridor.”
Service Suspension and Investigation
The NRC has suspended train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route until further notice. Opeifa said that the route would only be reopened after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) declares the site safe for reconstruction.
He estimated that once the site is cleared, it would take no more than 30 days to resume service.
The incident happened on Tuesday morning shortly after the train departed from Abuja. A passenger described the scene as “chaotic, with people scrambling to safety.” On Tuesday, Opeifa had also dismissed claims that the trains were in poor condition and confirmed that refunds for all passengers had been initiated.
In January 2023, an Abuja-Kaduna train also derailed in the Kubwa area of the FCT, though no casualties were reported at that time.
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