The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has clarified that Senator Ede Dafinone and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not passengers aboard the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the recent accident near Agbor, Delta State.
In a statement issued by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the corporation explained that earlier reports suggesting that both men were on the ill-fated train were inaccurate.
According to the statement, Senator Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and Hon. Ukah instead played vital roles in coordinating emergency response efforts immediately after the incident occurred.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to clarify that contrary to an earlier statement, Senator Ede Dafinone and Hon. Patrick Ukah were not passengers on board the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the accident near Agbor,” the statement read.
The NRC noted that both men assisted significantly in mobilising first responders, security personnel, medical teams, and other emergency workers who participated in the rescue operations following the accident.
The corporation also expressed regret over the misinformation contained in its earlier communication and commended both individuals for their swift intervention and support during the emergency.
“The NRC regrets the unintended error and sincerely appreciates the selfless and swift intervention and support of these great Nigerians during the rescue efforts,” Dr. Opeifa stated.
The incident occurred along the Warri–Itakpe railway corridor near Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Preliminary reports indicated that the train experienced technical issues that forced an emergency stop, creating panic among passengers and leading to injuries during the evacuation process.
Emergency responders and railway officials were subsequently deployed to the scene to provide assistance and restore order.
The Warri–Itakpe standard gauge rail line, commissioned for commercial operations in 2020, is one of Nigeria’s major rail transport corridors.
The route connects Warri in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State, passing through several communities across southern and north-central Nigeria.
The service has become increasingly important for passengers and traders due to its relatively affordable fares and safer alternative to road travel.
The latest clarification by the NRC comes amid widespread public concern and social media reports surrounding the identities of those affected by the incident.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to improve operational safety and emergency response systems on the rail network.
