Train derailment victim recounts how nigerian army rescued passengers
…In those first chaotic minutes, it was the soldiers who stood with us…
By: Zagazola Makama
For passengers on board the Kaduna-bound train that derailed between Kubwa and Gere on Tuesday, the experience was not just about surviving a terrifying accident. For many, it became a revelation of where true compassion and courage could be found in moments of crisis.
One of the survivors, Maryam Bello Barkindo who narrated the ordeal, described the Nigerian Army’s swift intervention as the defining factor that prevented further tragedy.
“In those first chaotic minutes, it was the soldiers who stood with us,” the passenger recalled. “They rushed in, using their own vehicles to move the injured from Ashams Station, which has barely any road access. Their presence brought not only rescue but comfort.”
According to the survivor, the Army personnel were more than just uniformed responders; they became a reassuring presence for stranded, terrified passengers.
“They stood with us for hours, right at the heart of danger, offering more than evacuation. They offered solace. Because of them, I will forever regard the Nigerian Army with renewed respect and gratitude,” Barkindo said.
However, the survivor noted a contrasting experience with other agencies who later arrived at the scene.
“To my shock, the NEMA team came in by helicopter when the worst was over. Police personnel were in their entourage, but none of them spared a glance at us as they walked past to the accident site. There were no comforting words, no reassurance, no shared humanity,” the passenger lamented.
He expressed disappointment that while images of rescue operations were later broadcast, many victims felt forgotten during the crucial hours when help was most needed.
“I left the site after three anxious hours, my family desperately searching for me. On the road, I finally saw a NEMA ambulance—but only after the Army had already done the real work of rescue,” he added.
The survivor stressed that his account was not born of bitterness, but of a deep longing for a Nigeria where institutional presence goes hand-in-hand with genuine care.
“Our public image must be backed by substance. I saw who truly mattered in those moments of crisis. Let us honor action over image, compassion over optics. The difference between life and despair was not in uniforms or headlines, but in hearts that chose to help,” he said.
The derailment, which occurred close to Abuja, left passengers shaken but thankful that immediate disaster response by the Nigerian Army helped save lives before formal rescue agencies could arrive.
