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6 days ago
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News
September 8, 2025 by Ntakobong Otongaran
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured passengers that the suspended Port Harcourt-Aba train service will soon be restored.
The train service was suspended, following a viral social media video showing stranded passengers trekking long distances and crossing a stream to seek alternative transportation.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, after a train breakdown at Imo River around 4:22 p.m.
In a statement by it District Public Relations Officer for the Eastern District, Dr. Onyedikachi S. Onovo, the NRC regretted the inconvenience the incident caused to passengers.
The corporation detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident, stating: “The train, which was on its way from Aba (Abia State) to Port Harcourt (Rivers State), suddenly developed an unusual fault and stopped functioning. Despite the best efforts of our engineers to revive the locomotive, the fault persisted. Consequently, an alternative engine, Loco 2306, was quickly deployed to rescue the stranded train.”
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The statement explained that while some passengers opted for alternative routes to reach their destinations, others were safely conveyed back.
It added that the affected train has been returned to Port Harcourt and is undergoing comprehensive repairs to meet the corporation’s enhanced quality control standards.
The NRC urged affected passengers to visit its stations in Port Harcourt or Aba with proof of payment to access possible refunds or replacement train rides.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by the general public and deeply value the patience and understanding shown by our passengers during this period,” the statement added.
The corporation affirmed its commitment to improving rail services, saying it remained committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its rail revitalisation programme.
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