The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation into a tragic train accident that claimed the life of an unidentified woman along the Gwagwa-Idu railway line in Abuja.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, stating that authorities were alerted via a distress call at approximately 11 a.m. on March 24, 2025.
Police Respond to Distress Call
Upon receiving the report, a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the location, which was identified as behind Zeberced Company in the Idu area of Abuja. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless and severely disfigured body of a woman, suspected to have been struck by a moving train.
“The FCT Police Command is currently investigating a fatal train accident that resulted in the death of an unidentified woman along the Gwagwa-Idu railway line.”
“On March 24, 2025, at about 11 a.m., officers responded to a distress call reporting an unconscious female on the railway tracks behind Zeberced Company, Idu. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless and disfigured body of the woman, suspected to have been hit by a moving train,” the police statement read.
Victim’s Identity Yet to Be Determined
Following the discovery, the police evacuated the remains to Kubwa General Hospital, where medical personnel officially confirmed her death.
Authorities have since begun efforts to identify the victim and locate her family members.
“The remains have been deposited at Kubwa General Hospital, and investigations are ongoing to determine the victim’s identity and notify her relatives,” Adeh stated.
At the moment, the circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear, and police are working to ascertain whether it was a case of suicide, an accidental fall, or an unfortunate incident caused by the train’s movement.
Eyewitness Accounts and Security Concerns
Although there have been no official eyewitness reports, residents in the Gwagwa-Idu axis have previously raised concerns about safety along the railway tracks. Some reports suggest that people frequently walk or trade near the tracks, increasing the risk of accidents.
A local resident, Ibrahim Musa, speaking about the accident, said:
“We often see people crossing the railway line without being cautious, and in some cases, pedestrians fail to notice an oncoming train until it is too late. More warning signs and barriers should be put in place to prevent such tragedies.”
Another resident, Fatima Yusuf, stated that mental health challenges and economic hardships might be pushing some individuals toward desperate actions:
“We cannot rule out the possibility that this was a case of suicide, as many people are struggling with financial and emotional difficulties. The government should do more to provide mental health support.”
Train Safety and Past Railway Incidents in Nigeria
This unfortunate incident is not the first case of a fatal train accident in Nigeria. Over the years, several railway-related accidents have been reported across the country due to poor safety measures, inadequate warning systems, and pedestrian negligence.
For instance:
- In March 2023, a moving train collided with a Lagos State government staff bus, killing six people and injuring several others.
- In 2022, multiple train derailments and collisions were recorded, raising concerns about railway safety and infrastructure maintenance.
Authorities have often warned pedestrians to avoid crossing railway tracks indiscriminately, yet many accidents continue to occur due to lack of awareness, insufficient signage, and inadequate enforcement of railway safety regulations.
Call for Safety Measures
Following this latest tragedy, concerned citizens and transport analysts are calling on the government to implement stricter railway safety protocols, including:
- The installation of fences along high-risk railway lines.
- Increased public awareness campaigns on railway safety.
- Deployment of security personnel to prevent unauthorized railway crossings.
- Regular maintenance and inspections of railway infrastructure.
The FCT Police Command has urged anyone with useful information regarding the accident or the victim’s identity to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
