...Commends Duo for Mobilising Rescue Efforts
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has clarified that Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, were not passengers on board the Warri–Itakpe Train Service involved in the recent accident near Agbor, Delta State.
The clarification came in a statement issued by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, following an earlier communication that mistakenly suggested the two prominent Deltans were among those affected by the incident.
According to the corporation, both Dafinone and Ukah played significant roles in supporting emergency response operations after the accident rather than being passengers on the ill-fated train.
"The Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to clarify that contrary to an earlier statement, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, 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," the statement read.
The NRC explained that the senator and former SSG were actively involved in mobilising first responders and emergency personnel who participated in the rescue operation that followed the incident.
"Both distinguished individuals, rather, greatly assisted in the mobilisation of first responders and other emergency personnel who participated in the rescue operations following the incident," the corporation stated.
The railway agency expressed regret over the error and commended the contributions of the two leaders during the emergency response efforts.
"The NRC regrets the unintended error and sincerely appreciates the selfless and swift intervention and support of these great Nigerians during the rescue efforts," the statement added.
The clarification comes amid ongoing public interest in the circumstances surrounding the Warri–Itakpe train accident, which claimed lives and left several passengers injured.
