By Prosper Olayiwola
The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has halted train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following Sunday’s derailment incident.
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that services will remain suspended until investigations are concluded and safety is assured. 
According to him, technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place.
Opeifa dismissed speculations suggesting that the trains were poorly maintained, noting that the corporation has consistently adhered to safety standards. He also disclosed that refunds have been processed for all passengers affected by the disruption.
The NRC boss also revealed that six passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident and have since received medical attention. However, he explained that the total number of passengers on board at the time of the derailment was still being verified.
Meanwhile, the NSIB has formally opened an investigation into the incident as authorities work to restore safe and efficient rail services along the route.
