Warri–Itakpe Train Derails Three Days After Service Return

Just three days after resumption of the Warri–Itakpe rail service, a train on the route went off the track on Saturday night, causing fresh worries about rail safety and vandalism in the country.

The railway authorities confirmed that the derailment happened around 7:30 p.m. near Agbor, at Kilometre 212+8m. Two out of the seven coaches left the rail line during the trip.

In a statement on Sunday, the head of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, said the accident may have been caused by damage to the track. Opeifa explained, “Preliminary investigations indicated that the incident may have been caused by suspected track vandalism.”

He added, “We wish to inform the public that a train derailment incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 19:30 hours, involving two out of the seven coaches of our WITS at Kilometre 212+8m, Agbor.”

According to the management, there were no deaths or injuries. Opeifa stated, “We are pleased to confirm that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone has been fully accounted for. No casualties or injuries were recorded.”

A team has been working at the scene with support from security personnel to move the coaches and fix the affected part of the track. “The recovery efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” Opeifa said.

Train operations on the route have now been paused as a safety measure. The agency explained, “As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the public. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so.”

This derailment happened only three days after services restarted following months of suspension for urgent repairs and efforts to replace stolen rail parts. The line was reopened on October 29 with promises that it had been strengthened against vandalism.

The incident also comes shortly after another derailment on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line that left some passengers injured. Earlier this year, a separate train with 618 passengers also went off the tracks, and seven people were treated in hospital.

The railway system in the country continues to face repeated challenges linked to vandalism and stolen rail materials. While some cities like Lagos now run modern electric rail services, several major long-distance routes still depend on infrastructure that is vulnerable to both criminal damage and mechanical issues.

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