The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has assured Nigerians that their safety and security is of utmost importance to the Government.

Alkali gave the assurance in Abuja on Sunday following a widely-circulated reports of the derailment of some coaches of a scheduled train service operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) between Itakpe, Kogi State and Warri in Delta State, which happened on Thursday, 4th July, 2024.

According to Alkali, the incident which occurred at Ujewhu near Abraka in Delta State at about 7.15pm on Thursday night did not result in any fatalities.

“I have directed the NRC, as the operator, to immediately ensure the safety and welfare of all passengers on board the train, ensure the evacuation of the distressed coaches from the tracks in order to guarantee the resumption of services as soon as possible and produce a comprehensive report of the incident for my consideration.

He said: “I have also been assured that the NRC has commenced steps in the above direction and all indications point to the fact that normalcy is gradually being restored on the service.”

The Minister further express sympathy towards those on board the train at the time of the incident, and assure the Nigerians particularly those patronizing the train services of their safety and welfare.

Noting that the recent incidents involving the trains were currently being addressed through pro-active measures in view of the discovery that a significant number of such incidents were the direct result of incidents of vandalism and criminality along the rail tracks by deviants who do not wish our country well.

He further direct that all stakeholders in charge of safe and secure operations in the railway industry to immediately put their best forward for continuous service to the people and the nation.