FG confirms no casualties in Itakpe-Warri train derailment incident

By Kunle Sanni

The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that no casualties occurred in the train derailment incident that took place on Thursday between Itakpe in Kogi State and Warri in Delta State.

The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, reassured the public of their safety and security in a statement released on Sunday.

Minister Alkali addressed the widely-circulated reports about the derailment, noting that the incident involved some coaches of a scheduled Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) train service.

According to him, the derailment occurred at Ujewhu, near Abraka in Delta State, at approximately 7:15 pm on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Upon learning of the incident, the minister promptly directed the NRC to ensure the safety and welfare of all passengers on board. He instructed the corporation to evacuate the distressed coaches and ensure the resumption of services as soon as possible.

Following the incident, the NRC has been tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the incident for the minister’s review.

Alkali expressed his sympathy for all passengers affected by the derailment and assured the public of the government’s commitment to their safety.

He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy to the train services and emphasized that proactive measures are being taken to address recent incidents involving the railways.

According to the minister, many of these incidents have been linked to vandalism and criminal activities along the rail tracks.

In his statement, Alkali called on all stakeholders in the railway industry to prioritize safe and secure operations to ensure continuous service to the public and the nation.