Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed profound grief over the tragic train accident in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, which claimed four lives and left scores of passengers injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Oborevwori said the loss of lives in the unfortunate mishap was painful not only to the affected families but also to the entire state, while praying for the quick recovery of those currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
The governor disclosed that the state government swiftly activated emergency measures immediately after receiving reports of the incident. He directed the Commissioner for Special Duties, alongside the Chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas, to proceed to the scene to coordinate rescue operations and provide support to victims.
He also commended security agencies for their prompt intervention, noting that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the accident scene and deployed adequate personnel to secure passengers’ belongings and maintain order.
According to the statement, injured victims were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, while survivors without injuries were transported to safety. The remains of those who lost their lives were deposited at the mortuary.
To ease the evacuation process, buses were immediately deployed to convey survivors and injured passengers from the scene of the accident.
Providing an update on the victims’ condition, Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, disclosed that 35 injured passengers were receiving medical attention in three hospitals across the area.
He said 13 victims were admitted at Central Hospital, Agbor, 12 were being treated at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, while another 10 were receiving care at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.
Odigwe further revealed that arrangements were underway to lift the affected train from the accident site.
Governor Oborevwori prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and urged their families to find strength and comfort in the face of the irreparable loss.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Deltans, assuring residents that the government would continue to monitor developments closely and provide the necessary support to victims undergoing treatment.