Oborevwori, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Mourn Warri-Itakpe Train Accident Victims as 35 Hospitalised in Delta

…calls for thorough investigation, concrete measures to prevent any recurrence

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South, have expressed condolences to families over the train accident along the Warri-Itakpe corridor Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State which claimed four lives and left many others injured.

This is coming as about 35 passengers injured in the accident have been hospitalised to receive medical attention across three hospitals in the State.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, to condole the family of four persons that died in the mishap, said that 13 victims are being treated at Central Hospital, Agbor, 12 at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, and 10 at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.

The governor who expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train accident, commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment from injuries sustained in the incident.

The Governor described the accident as heartbreaking and unfortunate, noting that the loss of lives was a painful tragedy for the affected families and the state at large.

He assured residents that the state government had swiftly mobilized relevant authorities to the scene of the accident to provide assistance to victims and ensure an effective emergency response.

According to the statement, Governor Oborevwori immediately directed the Commissioner for Special Duties, along with the Chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas, to move to the scene and coordinate rescue efforts.

The Governor also commended security agencies for their prompt intervention, disclosing that the Commissioner of Police was also at the scene and had deployed adequate security personnel to safeguard passengers’ luggage and other valuables in the train.

The statement further revealed that those who sustained injuries were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical attention, other survivors without injuries were moved to town, while the remains of deceased victims were deposited in the mortuary.

To facilitate the evacuation process, buses were immediately dispatched to convey survivors and injured passengers from the scene.

Providing an update on the condition of the victims, Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, disclosed that 35 injured passengers were receiving medical attention across three hospitals.

Odigwe also stated that officials had received assurances that efforts would be made to lift up the train on Tuesday.

Governor Oborevwori prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and also the fortitude for the families to bear the irreparable loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and safety of residents and assured that the government would continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support for those in the hospital.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday, Senator representing Delta South in the National Assembly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, expressed deep sorrow for the lives that were loss in the accident.

“I received the heartbreaking news of the tragic derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, which has claimed not less than four precious lives and left many others injured and hospitalised, on Monday, 8th June, 2026”, he wrote.

The lawmaker expressed condolences go to the families and loved ones of the deceased, saying “No words can adequately express the pain of such a sudden and devastating loss”

“I share in your grief and pray that God grant you the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. To the injured passengers currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, I extend my heartfelt sympathy and wish each of you a swift and complete recovery.

“This unfortunate incident has touched the entire Delta State and the nation at large. The affected families and survivors deserve every possible support during this difficult time”.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo however called on the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to immediately ensure that all victims and their families receive comprehensive medical care, adequate compensation, and every necessary assistance without delay.

He urged NRC to conduct a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the root causes of this derailment, with the findings made public in the shortest possible time.

“It is imperative that concrete measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such a tragic event”, he added.

He commended the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for its swift response and mobilisation of resources to support the victims.

The Senator assured affected families that he would continue to monitor the situation closely and offer every possible legislative support to ensure that justice is served and that our railway infrastructure meets the highest standards of safety.