Dafinone, Ukah Were Rescuers, Not Victims, NRC Clarifies

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has issued a clarification regarding the identities of individuals linked to the recent accident involving the Warri Itakpe Train Service near Agbor, Delta State, stating that Senator Ede Dafinone and former Delta State Secretary to the Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not among the passengers on board the train at the time of the incident.

In a statement signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the corporation explained that an earlier communication suggesting that both men were passengers on the ill-fated train was inaccurate.

According to the NRC, Senator Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and Hon. Ukah were, in fact, actively involved in coordinating and supporting emergency response efforts immediately after the accident occurred.

The corporation noted that both prominent Delta leaders played significant roles in mobilising first responders and emergency personnel who participated in rescue operations at the scene of the accident. Their swift intervention, the NRC said, contributed greatly to the prompt response that followed the unfortunate incident.

“Senator Ede Dafinone and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not passengers on board the Warri Itakpe Train Service involved in the accident near Agbor. Rather, 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 statement read.

The NRC expressed regret over the earlier error and apologised for any misunderstanding the misinformation may have caused. The corporation also commended the contributions of both men, describing their actions as selfless and patriotic.

“The NRC regrets the unintended error and sincerely appreciates the selfless and swift intervention and support of these great Nigerians during the rescue efforts,” Dr. Opeifa stated.

The clarification comes amid public concern and widespread reactions following reports of the train accident, which occurred near Agbor in Delta State. The incident drew attention from government officials, emergency agencies, community leaders and concerned citizens, many of whom called for enhanced safety measures across the nation’s rail transport system.

The Warri Itakpe railway corridor remains one of Nigeria’s most important standard gauge rail lines, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of passengers between Delta, Edo and Kogi states. Any disruption along the route often attracts significant public interest due to the increasing reliance on rail transportation as an alternative to road travel.

As investigations and assessments continue, the NRC has reiterated its commitment to transparency, passenger safety and accurate public communication. The corporation also assured Nigerians that lessons from the incident would be carefully reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational safety and emergency response mechanisms across the country’s rail network.

The NRC further thanked rescue teams, security agencies, medical personnel and members of the public who assisted in the emergency response following the accident.