Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Three passengers have been confirmed dead and 35 others injured following the derailment of the Warri-Itakpe passenger train in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, on Monday evening, June 8, 2026, prompting an immediate emergency response and condolences from government officials.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the derailment in a statement signed by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa. The corporation said rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated following the incident on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service corridor. "The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms that an incident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service occurred today," the statement read.
At least four coaches reportedly left the rail track during the crash, with some capsizing, according to witnesses and local officials. The train was reportedly conveying passengers from the Ujevwu station near Warri en route to Agbor when the accident occurred. The exact time of the derailment has not been officially stated, but rescue teams were deployed shortly after the crash. Although the NRC had said earlier that no deaths were recorded and only six people sustained injuries, the presidency later issued a conflicting update confirming that three passengers had died. In an update posted on X, the presidency extended condolences to the families of the victims and Nigerians at large, adding that the NRC would provide further updates on the incident. "The Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed a serious train accident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service corridor at Agbor, Delta State. Rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated. All passengers on board have now been accounted for. Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time," the statement read.
Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Mr. Monday Odigwe, disclosed that 35 injured passengers were receiving medical attention across three hospitals. He said 13 victims were being treated at Central Hospital, Agbor, 12 at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, and 10 at General Hospital, Owa-Alero. Odigwe also stated that officials had received assurances that efforts would be made to lift the train on Tuesday. While the NRC and presidency confirmed three deaths, a conflicting report from The Pointer news website quoting a statement from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said that four lives were claimed in the accident. The governor's statement described the loss of lives as 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 to provide assistance to victims and ensure an effective emergency response.
Delta State Governor Oborevwori expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident, describing it as heartbreaking and unfortunate. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He 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. Buses were immediately dispatched to convey survivors and injured passengers from the scene, while those who sustained injuries were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Survivors without injuries were moved to town, and the remains of deceased victims were deposited in the mortuary.
The National Emergency Management Agency also deployed its Emergency Response Team following the incident. The agency said that the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, upon receiving an alert on the incident, immediately activated the response mechanism and deployed an ERT. NEMA's team has been working alongside the NRC, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to assist passengers and support operations.
The Warri-Itakpe rail line, one of Nigeria's major standard-gauge corridors, connects communities across Delta, Edo and Kogi states and serves both passenger and freight traffic. This derailment comes less than a month after the NRC temporarily suspended the Warri-Itakpe Train Service due to operational exigencies and technical advice from its engineers. The railway corridor has experienced previous incidents, including a derailment in November 2025, which was attributed to vandalism, where four fish plates had been removed from the tracks.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a probe to determine the cause of the crash. A joint investigation by the NRC and NSIB is currently underway to identify what led the train to jump the track. Authorities said relevant authorities continue to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while support is being provided to affected passengers. The NRC urged members of the public to remain calm and rely only on official channels for verified updates. As rescue and investigation efforts continue, the three confirmed victims have been laid in a mortuary, and the thoughts and prayers of many across the country are with their grieving families.
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