In order to guarantee prompt action and support for everyone impacted, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the passengers of the Abuja–Kaduna train that derailed on Tuesday along the Kaduna corridor. He stated that he was awaiting a comprehensive briefing.
In the meantime, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, or NRC, has accepted full responsibility for the catastrophe.
Following the recent derailment, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential contender, urged the public to have more faith in Nigeria’s transportation system.
Shortly after the train departed Abuja at approximately 11 a.m. on its way to Kaduna on Tuesday, the event happened along the Kaduna corridor.
According to the NRC, the train was carrying 15 NRC personnel members and 583 passengers.
Six persons were injured in the incident, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, or NSIB, but no one was killed.
The situation was chaotic, with passengers rushing to safety, according to a train passenger.
In order to guarantee prompt action and support for everyone impacted, Tinubu stated on his official X Twitter that he is awaiting a comprehensive briefing.
He added that it was anticipated that the appropriate actions would be taken to stop future incidences of this kind.
I’ve heard about the derailment of the Abuja–Kaduna train today (Tuesday), even though I’m in Brazil. This occurrence saddens me greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the passengers who experienced this upsetting event, as well as the injured and their families.
“I’m keeping up with the most recent events and am awaiting a thorough briefing to guarantee prompt action and assistance for everyone impacted.” Tinubu continued, “The NRC is already dealing with the situation, and the necessary actions are anticipated to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
Speaking during his appearance on Channels Television yesterday, Opeifa stated that the ongoing inquiry into the incident would not be ignored.
In addition to expressing my regret to Nigeria, I would want to state that, in my capacity as managing director and CEO, I accept full responsibility. Furthermore, there is no indifference when it comes to safety.
“The CEO has to accept responsibility once it occurs. “I am accepting responsibility in this instance,” Opeifa stated.
However, he stated that even if the incident shouldn’t have occurred, the NRC would make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“I want to reassure Nigerians that these kinds of incidents are not anticipated, hoped for, or supposed to occur, but when they do, they are meant to bring out the best in us.
And I promise Nigerians that we closed the Warri-Itakpe (route) three weeks ago, exactly as we are doing now on the Warri-Itakpe, which he (the analyst) also said.
As you can see from the amount of work the men have been doing on the track, “I ordered the shutdown for safety reasons. Cutting it off and replacing it is to ensure things like this don’t happen,” he continued.
In response to Tuesday’s tragedy, Obi voiced concerns about passenger safety and emphasized the necessity of ongoing investment in vital infrastructure, like as rail transportation.
Obi posted a condolence message for all impacted by the incident on his X handle.
The politician stated that Nigeria must keep funding rail transportation since it is essential to development.
“The news of the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment today saddens me greatly; my sincere prayers are with the injured and all affected,” the message says.
“We must keep embracing the rail transport system because it is an essential part of progress.
“I implore the authorities to move quickly in order to guarantee responsibility, give the victims proper medical attention, and rebuild trust in our transportation systems.
“We pray and think of everyone impacted during this trying time.”
