FG probes Lagos train-bus accident, Tinubu, Atiku react

The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to immediately commence a probe into the collision between a passenger train and a bus conveying some civil servants to their work places in Lagos on Thursday morning.

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, gave the order, asking the NSIB to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the accident and proffer ways of preventing such in the future.

Sirika, in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr James Odaudu, sought the cooperation of members of the public during the investigation by the NSIB team.

The minister also commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, especially those who lost their loved ones, and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has sympathised with the victims of the Ikeja train accident.

Atiku Abubakar, who also reacted, said the unfortunate crash of a train and a BRT bus in Lagos on Thursday morning was sad news to all Nigerians.

Tinubu said in a statement, “I offer my sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the gory incident involving a train and a bus in the Ikeja area of Lagos State earlier today.

“I am praying for all, including those who died and those who sustained injuries in the tragic and unfortunate incident.

“My thoughts are with them and with the Lagos State Government, even as I continue to follow the emergency response efforts closely and offer support, where necessary, to ensure that survivors and others involved.”

In his reaction, Atiku said, “My condolences to the families and friends of the victims and the good people and government of Lagos.

“The powers of states as federating units in Nigeria in the area of transportation must be reinforced with enabling laws and enhanced by the states themselves with knowledge and the requisite expertise in the same sector.

“Emergency and medical rescue services must also be enhanced to avoid casualties in accidents such as these.”