Adebayo Calls for Investigation After Warri–Itakpe Train Derailment Victims Are Mourned

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, expressed profound sorrow over the Warri–Itakpe train derailment near Agbor in Delta State, urging an immediate and transparent investigation to prevent future incidents.

Responding to reports that the train, carrying 482 passengers, derailed and claimed four lives while injuring several others, Adebayo called the event a painful national tragedy that requires both compassion and accountability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adebayo offered condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured passengers.

According to reports, the victims included two adult women, one adult man and an infant, while the injured were transported to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

Adebayo said the incident should serve as a wake‑up call for authorities responsible for transportation infrastructure and public safety.

“No family boards a train expecting tragedy,” he said, emphasizing that every Nigerian who chooses public transportation deserves confidence that the system is safe, reliable and properly maintained.

He also praised emergency responders and medical personnel for their swift actions in evacuating passengers and attending to victims.

However, the SDP leader insisted that sympathy alone would not suffice, urging the Federal Government and railway authorities to launch a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

He argued that Nigerians deserve clear answers on whether the accident resulted from technical failure, poor maintenance, operational lapses, weak oversight or avoidable negligence.

Adebayo maintained that any investigation must go beyond assigning blame and instead lead to concrete reforms capable of strengthening railway safety across the country.

He noted that rail transportation remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and national integration, but warned that public confidence in the sector can only be sustained when safety becomes a non‑negotiable commitment.

Adebayo urged government institutions to treat the tragedy as an opportunity to improve standards and ensure that such an incident never occurs again.

“Public infrastructure carries a sacred duty of care,” he stated.