The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has clarified that Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not passengers on board the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the recent accident near Agbor.
The clarification was issued on Tuesday in a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
According to the corporation, the clarification became necessary following an earlier statement from the Federal Ministry of Transportation which mistakenly indicated that the two prominent Delta State figures were passengers on the train during the incident.
The NRC explained that rather than being onboard, both individuals played important roles in coordinating and mobilising first responders and emergency personnel who assisted in rescue operations at the accident scene.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to clarify that contrary to an earlier statement, Senator Ede Dafinone and Hon. Patrick Ukah were not passengers on board the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the accident near Agbor,” the statement read.
It added that the two officials were instrumental in supporting emergency response efforts following the derailment.
“Both distinguished individuals greatly assisted in the mobilisation of first responders and other emergency personnel who participated in the rescue operations following the incident,” the NRC said.
The corporation expressed regret over the misinformation and apologised for any embarrassment caused to the individuals involved.
“The NRC regrets the embarrassment the error had caused these eminent Nigerians and sincerely appreciates their selfless and swift intervention and support during the rescue efforts,” it added.
The clarification comes after the NRC confirmed that at least three passengers died in Monday’s train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe corridor.
Emergency response teams were deployed to the scene immediately after the incident, with rescue operations coordinated by relevant authorities.
The derailment occurred less than a month after the NRC temporarily suspended the Warri–Itakpe Train Service due to operational challenges and technical recommendations from engineers.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing as authorities work to restore safe operations on the rail line.
