The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has attributed Sunday’s Warri–Itakpe train derailment to vandalism along the rail tracks.
Opeifa said this on Monday while on Channel’s Television’s The Morning Brief.
He explained that the accident occurred despite recent maintenance work and security measures along the corridor.
He revealed 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.
“Two months ago, the line was put on hold because there was a need for safety and security. We reopened after fixing almost every kilometre of the track, replacing clips, landrolls, and bolts in several areas,” Opeifa said.
“However, we also discovered that on this track, there are regular vandalisations not unique to this side but to many other sides in the bushes, and our responsibility is to secure them.”
His comments followed the Warri-Itakpe train derailment in the Agbor area of Delta State, four days after the resumption of train service was announced.
He disclosed that the derailment was caused by the removal of four fish plates and flat iron pieces used to join rail tracks.
“At the site that particular night, we discovered that there were four fish plates that were removed and possibly the cause of the incident,” he stated.
According to him, 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.
“At the back of every train in this neighbourhood is a guard train that watches over what is going on behind. We still have men working daily on these tracks,” he added.
Opeifa confirmed that 503 passengers were onboard at the time of the derailment, with 446 travelling beyond Agbor station toward Abraka, where the incident occurred.
“We ensured all 446 passengers were accounted for and safely returned to Agbor. Some who chose to stay back were provided with water, drinks, and light refreshments under security watch,” he said.
The NRC boss further identified the derailment spot as the Ororigbe community between Agbor and Abraka, an area that has been deemed unsafe for operations since June due to communal clashes and security concerns.
