The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has clarified that Sen. Ede Dafinone and a former Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah, were not on board its train which derailed on the Warri–Itakpe corridor on Monday.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
The incident, which occurred near Agbor in Delta, claimed four lives. Opeifa said that earlier information suggesting that Dafinone and Ukah were on board the train was incorrect.
“The NRC, however, commended both individuals for their significant role in mobilising first responders and emergency personnel who participated in the rescue operations following the incident.
“The corporation expresses regret over the error and any embarrassment it may have caused, while appreciating their swift and selfless support during the rescue efforts,” he said.
A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Mnistry of Transport, Mr Funsho Adebiyi, on Tuesday morning had included Dafinone and Ukah among the 482 people on board the train.