News
Delta Senator, Ex-SSG Lead Rescue Efforts After Deadly Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment
By Rukevwe Odeh
Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Patrick Ukah, played active roles in rescue efforts following the derailment of a passenger train along the Warri-Itakpe rail route on Monday.
The incident, which occurred near Agbor in Delta State, involved a train carrying 482 people. Four passengers lost their lives after several coaches left the tracks and overturned.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that Dafinone and Ukah were not among those travelling on the train, contrary to an earlier statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Funsho Adebiyi. Instead, both men reportedly arrived at the scene to assist emergency responders and support affected passengers.
In the initial statement released on Tuesday, Adebiyi disclosed that an investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the accident. He noted that four coaches overturned while another derailed, resulting in the deaths of two women, one man, and an infant.
According to the ministry, 442 passengers had booked seats on the train, while 40 crew members, security operatives, and service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
Emergency response teams from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other agencies were mobilized to the scene shortly after the accident.
Authorities confirmed that rescue and evacuation operations were completed by 6:30 p.m. Injured passengers were transported to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
Officials reported that 24 people sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of harm. One staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also sustained a traumatic limb injury but was said to be in stable condition.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and the NRC extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. They also commended emergency personnel, government agencies, medical teams, and members of the public who contributed to the rescue operation.
Authorities said the train manifest has been recovered and will be made available to relevant agencies when required. Efforts are also underway to identify all victims and injured passengers as investigations into the incident continue.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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