The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed the recent derailment of the Warri-Itakpe train to vandalism along the rail tracks. According to the Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, the accident occurred despite recent maintenance work and security measures along the corridor. The train derailed in the Agbor area of Delta State, just four days after the resumption of train service was announced.
Opeifa explained that the section of the line had been shut down two months earlier to address safety and security concerns, during which extensive repairs were carried out. However, he noted that the area is prone to regular vandalization, with the removal of critical components such as fish plates and flat iron pieces used to join rail tracks. In this case, four fish plates were removed, likely causing the derailment.
The train had safely passed the same route earlier in the day from Onyewu to Itakpe via Agbor, indicating that the removed components were likely tampered with after that movement. Opeifa confirmed that 503 passengers were onboard at the time of the derailment, with 446 traveling beyond Agbor station toward Abraka, where the incident occurred. Fortunately, all passengers were accounted for and safely returned to Agbor, with some provided with water, drinks, and light refreshments under security watch.
The derailment spot, located in the Ororigbe community between Agbor and Abraka, has been deemed unsafe for operations since June due to communal clashes and security concerns. The NRC has been working to secure the area, with a guard train watching over the tracks and personnel working daily to maintain the rail line.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the NRC in ensuring the safety and security of its operations. Despite efforts to maintain and secure the rail line, the risk of vandalism and other security threats remains a significant concern. The NRC will likely need to continue to work to address these challenges and ensure the safe and reliable operation of its trains.