Crimes

Warri-Itakpe train derails in Kogi forest, NRC reacts

The Warri-Itakpe Train Service WITS 01, on Sunday, derailed at the Ajaokuta-Itakpe section of the track in a forest in Kogi State, leaving scores of passengers stranded.

The incident was confirmed via a statement issued by the Coordinator of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service, Sanni Abdulganiyu, noting that the train derailed at about 12:30 p.m.

Abdulganiyu said there was no fatality or casualty as a result of the derailment, adding that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) was immediately alerted and security operatives were immediately drafted to the accident scene.

“The personnel comprised the Army, Police, NSCDC, and the community vigilante with the assistance of the local government chairman.

“All the 148 passengers and 30 crew members were evacuated to a safe place and arrangements were made to convey the passengers to their various destinations.

”And the passengers have been successfully conveyed,” the coordinator said.

On the cause of the derailment, Abdulganiyu said it was yet to be determined.

He said due to the incident, the service along the corridor had been suspended, adding that further details would be communicated to Nigerians.

“Repair and operation will resume as soon as possible,” he added.

Also speaking on the incident, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Akeem Yusuf, said all the passengers of the train have been safely evacuated.

He said the train left Warri in the early hours of Sunday and got derailed at about 12:30 p.m. inside the forest.

“When we got the distress call, I immediately dispatched a team of rescue team that rushed to the forest to give them cover.

“We didn’t take the report with laxity but ensured that the passengers and the train crew got the desired security cover.

“Our plans were to ensure no criminal element take advantage of the situation to do anything funny and God helping us nothing funny happened.

“I can boldly tell you that all the passengers have been evacuated to safety without any cause for alarm,” Yusuf said.

The police commissioner said what was left at the scene was the wagons of the train, adding that all the passengers were made to proceed with their journey without any hindrance.

The Star