NRC apologizes over Kaduna-Abuja train failure
The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Monday apologized to all passengers on board, KA2 train which left travellers stranded as a result of mechanical failure. NRC described the development as highly regrettable, explaining that the train which left Rigasa, Kaduna state on Monday morning failed at the Dutse section.
A statement signed by P. A. Nnorli, Manager, Abuja – Abuja-kaduna Service, noted that the failure and consequent delay no doubt caused delays to subsequent train services from Abuja to Kaduna. “NRC is by this medium tendering our sincere apology to all passengers on board KA2 train that left Rigasa this morning and failed at Dutse section. The failure which was as a result of Mechanical malfunction is highly regretted.
“This failure and consequent delay no doubt caused delays to subsequent train services from Abuja to Kaduna. The failed Locomotive is currently receiving attention from our team of Engineers and Technician at the Idu Locomotive workshop.
“While thanking our esteemed passengers for their patronage, we once more sincerely apologize for inconveniences this breakdown would have caused them” he said.
An engineer with the Nigerian Railway Corporation reportedly pleaded with the passengers over the incident, adding that they had contacted the train station at Idu in the Federal Capital Territory for another locomotive to be sent so that the passengers could be conveyed to their destination.
He said, “We are very sorry, the locomotive is faulty. We have contacted the Idu Train Station for another locomotive. It would take them two hours to be here.” Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Midat Joseph, who was on the train, said the train developed fault around 7am.
“I left my house as early as 5am to join the 6.40am train but unfortunately I have been trapped here in this forest,” Joseph said.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria, confirmed the incident, saying the train broke down as a result of engine failure but added that another engine had taken over. “It’s an engine failure, but a relief engine has taken over.”
Last year, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had said locomotives on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route broke down up to two times would be returned to China. He said, “It is worrisome that these locomotives that are brand new are failing,” Amaechi said during an inspection in Lagos. He said the locomotives had a warranty for over four years, adding that the government was considering returning them to China.
