The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has clarified that Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr. Patrick Ukah, were not among passengers on board the Ujevwu-Itakpe Train Service involved in the recent accident near Agbor, Delta State.
The clarification followed an earlier statement that erroneously suggested that both men were passengers on 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 said Dafinone and Ukah were instead actively involved in coordinating rescue efforts after the accident.
According to the statement, “The two leaders played crucial roles in mobilising first responders and emergency personnel who participated in the rescue operation at the accident scene.
“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 Ujevwu-Itakpe Train Service involved in the accident near Agbor.
“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 statement read.
The corporation expressed regret over the misinformation and apologised for the unintended error.
It further commended Dafinone and Ukah for what it described as their swift, selfless and patriotic intervention during the emergency response.
“The NRC regrets the unintended error and sincerely appreciates the selfless and swift intervention and support of these great Nigerians during the rescue efforts,” Opeifa stated.
The clarification comes amid sustained public attention on the train accident, which prompted emergency response efforts involving railway officials, security agencies, health workers and community volunteers.
The NRC assured passengers and the general public of its commitment to safety and operational efficiency, even as efforts continue to ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident.
