A passenger train en route from Abuja to Kaduna has derailed near Jere Station, overturning several carriages and sparking chaos as travelers scrambled for safety shortly after its 11 a.m. departure.

The incident left hundreds stranded along the busy rail corridor, with no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities, according to security sources. Military personnel quickly deployed to the site, aiding in the evacuation and securing the area amid the confusion.

One passenger recounted the panic: “People were scrambling to safety in fear,” highlighting the sudden jolt that sent carriages off the tracks.

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause, though passengers have long complained of severe shaking at a specific point on the route, an issue persisting for over a year without repairs.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has not issued an official statement, but videos circulating show overturned coaches and rescuers at work.

This derailment underscores Nigeria's rail infrastructure challenges, built in 2016 to provide a safer alternative to bandit-plagued highways connecting the capital to the north.

Past incidents, including a 2022 attack by gunmen that killed eight and abducted dozens, highlight the line's vital role in fostering secure mobility.