Police Rescue Passengers As Warri–Itakpe Train Derails In Kogi
The Kogi State Police Command has rescued passengers stranded for hours after a Warri–Itakpe train derailed in Adogo community, Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the incident on Sunday in Lokoja, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Ovye-Aya, said all passengers were safely evacuated to the Ajaokuta train station and later assisted to continue their journey without any casualties.
He explained that the police responded swiftly after receiving a distress call about the derailment.
Ovye-Aya said the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, immediately deployed officers to the scene to provide security for the affected passengers.
According to him, the Commissioner also visited the derailment site for an on-the-spot assessment and met with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and some passengers.
“He further directed the deployment of additional personnel to protect lives, property, and railway facilities,” Ovye-Aya added.
The police command assured that it would continue to work with other security agencies to guarantee the safety of passengers and railway infrastructure across the state.
The derailment happened barely a week after the Nigerian Railway Corporation resumed the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) following a similar incident in Agbor, Delta State, which had disrupted operations for weeks.
In a statement last week, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the service resumed after the affected section of the track was repaired and certified safe following a thorough inspection.
Opeifa also disclosed that two suspects linked to the removal of clips and fasteners responsible for the previous derailment near Agbor had been arrested.
“The suspects, both male, aged 27 and 39, were arrested around kilometre 208 before Abraka, Delta State, on November 4, by operatives of the NRC Police Command in collaboration with local security agents.
“Preliminary investigations and their confessional statements confirmed their direct involvement in tampering with vital parts of the rail track,” he said.
He commended the railway police and community security groups for their prompt action, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted for vandalising national infrastructure and endangering lives.
Meanwhile, the Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to probe the rising cases of train derailments across the country amid growing concern over rail safety and maintenance.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
