A train going to Abuja has reportedly developed a mechanical problem just about five minutes after it took off from Rigasa station in Kaduna State.
The development has reportedly left some passengers stranded in a forest.
According to a Daily Trust report, an engineer with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has pleaded with the passengers over the incident, noting that they had contacted the train station in Idu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for another locomotive to be sent so that the passengers could be conveyed to their destination.
“We are very sorry, the locomotive is faulty,” he said.
“We have contacted the Idu Train Station for another locomotive. It would take them two hours to be here.”
The secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Midat Joseph, said the train developed fault around 7:00 am.
“I left my house as early as 5:00 am to join the 6:40am train but unfortunately I have been trapped here in this forest,” Joseph said.
“This is not the first time I will be experiencing this mess.”
A video had circulated on social media showing the passengers scattered outside the train, relaxing while the faulty train was being repaired.
The Manager of Rigasa Station, Aminu Ibrahim, said the incident had to do with a mere mechanical fault, which he said was normal for any engine.
However, Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central at the Senate, on his Twitter handle reacted to the behaviour of passengers in the train in a similar event which occurred yesterday near Jere Village.
“Yesterday, Our Kaduna Abuja Train broke down at night for many hours near Jere village. All the Yorubas,Igbos and Hausas in the train forgot their differences and united as brothers and sisters,while looking through the window.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said recently, that the locomotives on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route that broke down up to two times would be returned to China.
“it is worrisome that these locomotives that are brand new are failing.” Amaechi said.
