The Minister of Transportation, Sa’id Alkali, has attributed the incessant derailment of trains on railway corridors to increased vandalisation of rail tracks by criminals.
The minister noted that they have discovered that a significant number of derailments were the direct result of incidents of vandalism and criminality along the rail tracks by deviants who do not wish our country well.
Alkali said this following a report of another derailment of a train along the Itakpe-Warri railway corridor at Ujevwu near Abraka, Delta State, on Thursday evening at 7:15 pm.
He maintained that he had immediately directed the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to 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 his consideration.
He stated that 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, who expressed his sympathy to all affected passengers, assured the general public, particularly those patronising the train services, of their safety and welfare, saying measures are being taken to forestall activities of criminal elements vandalising the tracks.
He further directed all the relevant stakeholders responsible for safe and secure operations in the railway industry to immediately put their best foot forward for continuous service to the nation.
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