Passengers rescued after Itakpe–Warri train derails in Kogi

Passengers Rescued After Itakpe–Warri Train Derails in Kogi

Passengers travelling on the Itakpe–Warri train on Saturday escaped unharmed after the train derailed near Adogo community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving them stranded for several hours before security operatives came to their aid.

The incident, which occurred around 4:30 p.m., caused panic among passengers until security personnel arrived to secure the area and facilitate their evacuation.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP William Ovye-Aya, said the Command responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from the scene.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, immediately deployed officers and men to the site to ensure the safety of the stranded passengers.

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“The CP personally visited the Adogo derailment site on Sunday for an on-the-spot assessment. He met with officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the affected passengers,” Ovye-Aya said.

He added that all passengers were safely evacuated to the Ajaokuta station and later assisted to continue their journey, with no casualties recorded.

Ovye-Aya also quoted the Commissioner as reaffirming the Command’s commitment to working with other security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.

Saturday’s derailment comes days after the Senate resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the frequent derailments on Nigeria’s rail lines and assess the integrity of the nation’s railway infrastructure.

The committee, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, is expected to conduct a public hearing on the causes of recurring derailments, the quality of rail materials, and the condition of imported components.

Lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation to immediately address technical faults responsible for the incidents and restore full operational capacity nationwide.

Passengers Rescued After Itakpe–Warri Train Derails in Kogi