ABUJA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has corrected an earlier statement regarding the recent Warri–Itakpe Train Service accident near Agbor, clarifying that Senator Ede Dafinone and the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not among the passengers on board the train.
Instead, the corporation disclosed that both men played significant roles in coordinating and mobilising first responders and emergency personnel who participated in rescue operations following the incident.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, who acknowledged that the corporation’s earlier communication had mistakenly identified the two Delta leaders as passengers involved in the accident.
According to the NRC, Senator Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and Hon. Ukah were actively involved in supporting emergency response efforts and facilitating the deployment of rescue teams to the scene of the accident.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to clarify that contrary to an earlier statement, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and Hon. Patrick Ukah were not passengers on board the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the accident near Agbor,” the statement said.
The corporation noted that both men rendered invaluable assistance during the emergency by helping to mobilise first responders and other personnel whose intervention contributed to the rescue efforts.
Expressing regret over the error, Dr. Opeifa thanked the two leaders for their prompt and selfless support during the operation.
“The NRC regrets the unintended error and sincerely appreciates the selfless and swift intervention and support of these great Nigerians during the rescue efforts,” the statement added.
The correction comes amid sustained public attention on the train accident and the rescue operation that followed, with the railway corporation reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accurate information is provided to the public.
The NRC also used the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of individuals and organisations that assisted emergency responders in attending to victims and managing the aftermath of the incident.
