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Probe Launched After Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment Injures Six

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A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving several carriages overturned and triggering panic among those on board.

 

The incident occurred around 11:09 am at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station.

 

According to eyewitnesses, the derailment happened without warning, causing confusion and chaos as passengers rushed out of the affected cabins. Six passengers were confirmed injured. “It is a complete pandemonium. People who were confirmed to be saved were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic,” one eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Abubakar, said.

 

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries in the incident, although no fatalities were recorded. A team of investigators has been deployed to the site to gather evidence and begin an investigation into the accident.

 

“We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered,” NSIB Director-General, Capt Alex Badeh, said in a statement. “Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”

 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the derailment and stated that emergency services had been activated to respond promptly to the situation. “Emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals have already been mobilised. Full complement of security already on ground as effort is ongoing to move all passengers on train back to Abuja safely,” the NRC stated.

 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed sympathy to the victims and ordered immediate rescue operations. “The governor has instructed that every necessary support be extended to passengers to minimise the impact of this unfortunate incident,” Commissioner-designate for Information Malam Ahmed Maiyaki said.

 

The incident is being jointly investigated by federal railway officials, security agencies, and emergency responders to determine whether it was caused by technical failure, poor maintenance, or sabotage.

 

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani blamed negligence by authorities for the derailment, citing consistent complaints from passengers about security and safety on the corridor.

 

The Abuja-Kaduna train corridor has faced repeated disruptions over the years, including a terrorist attack in March 2022 that left several dead and many abducted. Tuesday’s derailment has rekindled fears among residents and passengers who depend on the train service as a safer alternative to the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

 

President Bola Tinubu also expressed sadness over the derailment. In a statement released on his X account, Tinubu said he was monitoring the situation even while in Brazil. “I am deeply saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured, their families, and all passengers who went through this distressing experience,” Tinubu said.

 

He added that he has been receiving updates and is awaiting a full briefing to ensure swift action. “I am staying updated on the latest developments and await a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for all affected. The NRC is already addressing the situation, and necessary steps are expected to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he stated.

 

The National Emergency Management Agency, however, stated that seven passengers were injured in the train derailment, adding that they received immediate first aid at the scene before being transferred to a hospital for further treatment.

 

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel on Tuesday. The statement also noted that the Director-General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, led the agency’s rescue team to the site of a train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna rail line.

 

NEMA explained, “The incident occurred after 11 am today. Although no fatalities were recorded, seven passengers sustained varying degrees of injury. They were promptly administered first aid at the scene before being taken to hospital for further medical attention.

 

“The rescue operation was a multi-agency effort coordinated by NEMA, with the swift support of the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others, whose vigilance and rapid response led to the smooth conduct of the operation.

 

“Further information on the cause of the accident will be provided by investigators from the Ministry of Transportation, whose acting Permanent Secretary was also present at the site of the derailment,” it stated.

 

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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