The Nigerian Railway Corporation has moved to calm public concern after a viral social media clip claimed that the Warri Itakpe rail corridor was unsafe for travel.
The corporation stated that the line remains safe, reliable and fully operational, adding that the video circulating online gave a wrong impression of the situation.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said the viral message, which advised people to avoid train travel, was based on false assumptions.
He explained that the short clip showing removed rail clips did not reflect a security threat but an isolated maintenance activity that had already been addressed.
“The attention of the NRC has been drawn to a widely circulated social media message warning the public to avoid train travel, particularly along the Warri Itakpe rail corridor.”
“The message, accompanied by a short video showing removed rail clips, falsely claims that rail transport is currently unsafe and urges passengers to cancel travel plans,” Unyimadu said.
He added that the maintenance team handled the issue immediately and ensured that the section was restored without affecting train schedules.
According to him, the Warri Itakpe service has since passed through the spot without any incident, confirming that there was no threat to passenger safety.
Unyimadu stressed that safety measures, operational protocols and routine inspections remain in place across all NRC routes.
He urged the public to disregard the viral message and rely only on official NRC communication channels for accurate travel updates.
“All necessary safety and operational protocols were strictly followed. Train services on the Warri Itakpe corridor and all other NRC corridors remain safe, reliable and fully operational,” he said.
The NRC appealed to Nigerians not to allow misleading content to undermine the progress being made in rail transportation as the country continues to expand its infrastructure.
