Senate probes frequent rail line derailment

Senate has constituted an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the persistent derailments of the country’s rail lines.

This followed the adoption of a motion on recent derailment of the Ujevwu-Itakpe train line.

The motion was sponsored by Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC- Delta) at plenary in Abuja.

Our correspondent, reports that terms of reference for the investigation will include a public hearing, aimed to uncover the root causes of recurring derailments.

It will also investigate loans received from China and utilised for rail projects in Nigeria.

Our correspondent also reports that the ad hoc committee is to be chaired by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo).

Other members of the committee include; Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, (APGA-Abia) Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto), Solomon Adeola, (APC-Ogun) Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe), Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sahabi Yau (Dafinone Ede, (APC Delta) and Adamu Alero (APC-Kebbi).

The committee has six weeks to complete its findings and present a detailed report to the Senate at plenary.

Earlier, Dafinone in his motion said that the recent Warri-Itakpe train derailment in the Agbor Delta happened four days after resumption of train service was announced.

He said that reports from Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), indicates that the derailment, which occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, may have been caused by vandals.

According to him, two out of the seven coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) were involved.

He said the NRC, in a statement had noted that there were no casualties recorded.

“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,” the senator quoted NRC.

“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night, carrying out recovery operations.

“These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon,” Dafinone quoted NRC statement.

The Senate further directed the NRC to immediately address the technical faults responsible for recent derailments and ensure restoration of the nation’s rail system to full operational capacity.