The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, says that he takes full responsibility for the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, which occurred along the Kaduna corridor shortly after departure from Abuja.

In a public statement, Wednesday, Opeifa apologised to Nigerians and pledged that the ongoing investigation into the accident would be transparent.

“Beyond apologising to Nigerians, I want to state clearly—as the Managing Director and Chief Executive—I take full responsibility.

“When it comes to safety, there is no room for indifference. Once something like this happens, the chief executive must own it—and I do,” he said.

Opeifa disclosed that while there were no fatalities, four passengers sustained serious injuries, while two others were treated and discharged.

“Coming to the fatality and the casualties, there was no fatality. We thank God. That was a near miss because for this kind of accident or incident, you see some level of fatality, but we thank God for this.

“And for those who were injured, four are serious, and another two or so were discharged immediately, and we will follow up on those that might still be in the hospital,” he added, noting that all 618 passengers would also be monitored for post-traumatic effects.

Panic broke out at the popular Balogun Market on Lagos Island on Wednesday, after a violent clash reportedly left at least two people dead.

Videos circulating on social media showed disturbing scenes from the incident.

According to reports, a man, apparently attacked with a machete, was seen lying motionless on the ground.

Another video seen online captured the suspected assailant, stripped naked and reportedly lynched by an angry mob.

The cause of the unrest has not been clearly established.

While some eyewitnesses suggest the violence was the result of a cult-related confrontation, others alleged it stemmed from an inter-tribal dispute between Yoruba and Igbo traders.

In the aftermath, shops were hurriedly closed as traders and passersby scrambled for safety.

Security operatives were yet to release an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is currently attending the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference taking place in South Africa, a strategic forum that is strengthening international cooperation in tackling transnational crime and enhancing global law enforcement synergy.

The high-level conference is brought together more than 200 Police Chiefs and security leaders from 56 countries, including senior law enforcement officials and security experts from across the region and beyond.

In a statement with the ‎Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/499 Date: August 27, 2025, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer force Headquarters, said that IGP Egbetokun is actively participating in discussions on contemporary security challenges, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and practical strategies for cross-border policing.

Furthermore, the IGP is scheduled to deliver an address on “Cattle Theft in West Africa: A Conduit for Terrorism and CBRNE Threats,”where he will be underscoring the nexus between transnational organized crime, terrorism financing, and emerging chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats within the sub-region.

On the sidelines of the conference, the IGP will be holding bilateral meetings with the INTERPOL President, Major General Naser Alraisi, and the INTERPOL Secretary General, Mr. Valdecy Urquiza.

These discussions are focusing on consolidating operational partnerships, deepening intelligence exchange, strengthening mutual legal assistance, and reinforcing Nigeria’s strong commitment to regional and global security cooperation.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its resolve to remain an active and reliable partner in international law enforcement efforts while continuing to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians at home and abroad.