The federal government has assured Nigerians that it is addressing incidents of rail derailment in the country through proactive measures.

“The recent incidents involving our trains are currently being addressed through proactive measures,” Transportation Minister Said Alkali said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Alkali attributed some rail derailments to vandalism and criminalities on rail tracks.

“A significant number of such incidents were the direct result of incidents of vandalism and criminality along the rail tracks by deviants who do not wish our country well.

“ I wish to also direct that all stakeholders in safe and secure operations in the railway industry should immediately put their best foot forward for continuous service to our people and our dear motherland,“ Mr Alkali said.

Speaking on the July 4 rail derailment between Itakpe in Kogi and Warri in Delta, the minister said he had directed investigations into the incident and the safety and welfare of all passengers on board.

“My attention has been drawn to the reports of the derailment of some coaches of a scheduled train service operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) between Itakpe, Kogi State and Warri in Delta State, which happened on July 4.

“Upon receipt of news of this unfortunate incident and enquiries made, my observation is that the unfortunate incident did not result in any fatalities,” the minister said.

He said the incident occurred at about 7:15 p.m. on Thursday at Ujewhu near Abraka in Delta State.

“ I have directed the NRC, as the operator, to immediately ensure the safety and welfare of all passengers on board the train,“ he added.

Mr Alkali assured that NRC would evacuate the distressed coaches from the tracks to guarantee the resumption of services as soon as possible and produce a comprehensive report of the incident for his consideration.

The minister sympathised with all persons on the train and assured the general public, particularly those patronising the train services, of their safety and welfare.

(NAN)