Passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line have shared disturbing experiences, including alleged ticket racketeering, overbooking, and mechanical failures. Some passengers were left standing for over 3.5 hours due to overcrowding, while others reported the train engine overheating, causing cooling systems and lights to shut down.
Mr. Solomon Abiona recounted his ordeal, saying he couldn’t purchase tickets online and was forced to pay N6,000 per ticket to a racketeer. Another passenger, Ibrahim Bulus, described the situation as chaotic, especially on weekends. Chief John Fabunmi expressed disappointment and fear, saying the experience was “harrowing” and “not what he expected.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) responded, stating that tickets are booked and paid for online, with no provision for issuing tickets without seat numbers.
They acknowledged possible failed bookings and said affected passengers may have their trips rescheduled. The NRC also clarified that the power car, not the engine, was being cooled with water, and that passengers are not allowed to stand for long-distance journeys.
