Plateau State govt breaks silence on alleged train derailment rumors

The Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau Gyang, has issued a statement to clarify details surrounding a minor train derailment that occurred last month and address circulating misinformation.

The incident happened on November 8, 2024, when a coach of the Jos Train Services derailed at Old Airport Junction, temporarily obstructing vehicular traffic.

According to the Commissioner, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) District Manager promptly intervened, ensuring the uncoupling and repositioning of the coach to restore traffic flow.

Hon. Jatau reassured the public that train operations resumed immediately and have continued without disruptions. The Jos Train Services, known for its efficiency, provides free transportation to about 300 passengers per trip, underscoring its vital role in the state’s public transport network.

The statement expressed concern over a resurfaced video from the November 8 derailment, which has been misused to imply frequent service breakdowns. The Ministry called the claims a “misrepresentation of the facts” and urged the public to seek verified information from official sources.

Highlighting the reliability of the service, the Ministry confirmed that the train only halts at designated stations for boarding and disembarking, with no unscheduled stops reported.

The Plateau State government assured its commitment to ensuring efficient, safe, and dependable train services for residents.