Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving the Ujevwu–Itakpe Train Service near Agbor, Delta State, and called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dafinone extended his condolences to the families of the victims and sympathised with passengers injured in the accident, describing the tragedy as a painful loss not only to the affected families but to the nation as a whole.
The senator noted that while the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that three persons lost their lives and that all passengers were accounted for following the incident, the loss of any life remained unacceptable.
“I received with deep sorrow the news of the tragic accident involving the Ujevwu-Itakpe Train line near Agbor, Delta State, on Monday, June 8, 2026,” Dafinone said.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of those who lost their lives in this devastating incident. I also sympathise with the injured and pray for their speedy recovery. While the Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed that three lives were lost and all passengers accounted for, every life lost is one too many, and the pain of the affected families is immeasurable.”
He said the thoughts of Nigerians were with the bereaved families, injured passengers receiving treatment, and survivors who may continue to experience emotional trauma arising from the accident.
“As Deltans and Nigerians, we share in their grief and stand with them in solidarity,” he added.
Dafinone also commended the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, healthcare personnel, security agencies, railway officials and volunteers who participated in rescue efforts following the incident.
According to him, the prompt response helped save lives and provided critical support to passengers affected by the accident.
The lawmaker described the tragedy as a reminder of the need to prioritise the safety of Nigerians who depend on public transportation services.
“The Ujevwu-Itakpe rail corridor is a vital national asset, serving thousands of passengers and supporting economic activities across several states. Its continued success depends on both operational efficiency and public confidence in its safety,” he stated.
He therefore called for an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation into the accident to determine its cause, identify any operational or technical lapses, and recommend measures capable of preventing future occurrences.
“Such an inquiry must establish the facts, identify any operational or technical failures, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. The affected families deserve answers, and the public deserves reassurance that every lesson from this tragedy will be acted upon,” Dafinone said.
The senator further urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of safety and operational procedures along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor and across Nigeria’s railway system.
He stressed that regular maintenance, strict compliance with safety standards and stronger emergency preparedness mechanisms were essential to protecting lives and sustaining confidence in the country’s rail transport infrastructure.
Dafinone also advocated adequate medical care, counselling and other forms of support for injured passengers and families affected by the accident.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace. May God grant comfort to their families, healing to the injured, and strength to all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.
The Ujevwu–Itakpe rail line is one of Nigeria’s busiest standard-gauge railway corridors, linking Delta, Edo and Kogi states while serving thousands of passengers and facilitating economic activities across the region.
