Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the train derailment that occurred in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, which left several passengers injured and led to the death of four travellers.
Describing the incident as a painful tragedy, the governor said the loss of lives had thrown families and the entire state into mourning.
In a statement released on Monday, June 8, by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
He also confirmed that the state government had swiftly activated emergency response teams to assist victims and coordinate rescue operations at the scene.
“The governor directed the Commissioner for Special Duties, alongside the chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas, to proceed to the scene and supervise rescue operations,” the statement read.
According to the governor, security agencies responded promptly, with the Commissioner of Police visiting the accident site and deploying officers to maintain order and secure passengers’ belongings.
The statement further noted that injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while those who escaped unharmed were moved to safer locations. The bodies of those who died were deposited in a mortuary.
Buses were also deployed to evacuate survivors and transport injured passengers away from the scene.
Providing an update on the situation, the Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Area, Monday Odigwe, said 35 injured passengers were currently receiving treatment across three hospitals.
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He explained that 13 patients were admitted at Central Hospital, Agbor, 12 at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, while 10 others were being treated at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.
Odigwe added that arrangements were in progress to remove the derailed train from the accident site on Tuesday.
Governor Oborevwori prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and asked God to strengthen their families in this difficult moment.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of residents, assuring that the government would continue to monitor the situation and support those affected.
Meanwhile, the Presidency confirmed the incident in a statement shared on its X handle, noting that three deaths had been recorded in the derailment involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service.
It stated, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed a serious train accident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor at Agbor, Delta State.
“Rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated. All passengers on board have now been accounted for.
“Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time. Relevant authorities continue to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while support is being provided to affected passengers. The thoughts and prayers of all Nigerians are with the victims and their loved ones.”
Investigations into the cause of the derailment are ongoing as concerns grow over rail safety standards in the country.