The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended the Warri-Itakpe Train Service indefinitely, due to the derailment of a train on Sunday in Kogi State.
As a result of the incident, 148 passengers and 30 crew members on board were stranded for several hours in the kogi forest and afraid of being kidnapped.
This incident is coming barely two weeks after over 30 passengers were abducted from a train station in Igueben, Edo State.
The Coordinator of Warri Itakpe Train Service, Engr. Sanni Abdulganiyu, who confirmed the incident in a statement said: “The Warri Itakpe Train Service WITS 01 derailed at km 30 Ajaokuta-Itakpe section of the track at About 12:30hrs of Sunday 22nd January 2023.
“Thankfully, there was no fatality and no casualty. We were immediately alerted and security personnel comprising the; Army, Police, NSCDC, and the community vigilante were immediately drafted to the accident point with the assistance of the Local government Chairman.
“All the 148 passengers and 30 crew members were evacuated to a safe place and arrangements were made to convey 148 passengers to their various destinations and they have been successfully conveyed.”
On the caus of the train’s derailment, he explained: “The cause of the derailment is not yet determined. Due to this incident, the service along the corridor has been suspended. Further details would be communicated to members of the public”.
Abdulganiyu added that repairs would commence immediately and that operation along the corridor will resume as soon as possible.
