09/06/2026
Oborevwori Mourns Agbor Train Crash Victims as Dafinone Demands Stronger Rail Safety Measures
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Senator Ede Dafinone have expressed grief over Monday's derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service near Agbor, even as calls grow for a thorough investigation into the incident and stronger safety measures across Nigeria's rail network.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Oborevwori described the accident as heartbreaking and unfortunate, noting that the loss of lives was a painful tragedy for the affected families and the state.
The governor said the state government swiftly mobilised relevant authorities to the scene to coordinate rescue operations and provide assistance to victims. He also commended security agencies for their prompt intervention and deployment of personnel to safeguard passengers' belongings.
According to the state government, four persons lost their lives in the accident, while 35 others sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at hospitals in Agbor, Owa-Oyibu and Owa-Alero.
Oborevwori further assured residents that his administration would continue to monitor the situation and provide support for victims and their families.
Reacting to the incident, Senator Dafinone conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and sympathised with injured passengers, praying for their speedy recovery.
The lawmaker commended the efforts of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, medical personnel, railway officials and volunteers whose swift actions helped rescue passengers and provide critical assistance.
Describing the derailment as a stark reminder of the need for improved rail safety, Dafinone called for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and relevant safety agencies to undertake a comprehensive review of operational and safety protocols on the Warri–Itakpe corridor and across the national rail network.
According to him, regular maintenance, strict compliance with safety standards and robust emergency preparedness measures are essential to preventing similar tragedies.
While the Nigerian Railway Corporation reportedly placed the death toll at three, the Delta State Government said four persons died in the crash, with authorities expected to provide further clarification as investigations continue.
The Warri–Itakpe rail corridor is regarded as one of the country's key transport assets, serving thousands of passengers and facilitating economic activities across several states. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, attention is increasingly turning to the cause of the derailment and the measures needed to restore public confidence in rail transportation.
