Commuters Stranded As Train Derailment Causes Gridlock In Omi-Adio, Ibadan
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – COMMUTERS and motorists along the Omi-Adio–Apata axis of Ibadan metropolis were stranded on Friday following the derailment of a cargo train at the Ibadan–Abeokuta railway crossing in Omi-Adio.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, caused severe traffic congestion as vehicular movement around the railway crossing was temporarily disrupted.
Commercial motorists and residents in the area were forced to endure long delays as authorities worked to control the situation.
Eyewitnesses said the cargo train derailed while approaching the crossing, blocking a major section of the road and preventing free movement of vehicles.
Traffic built up rapidly, stretching several kilometres along the busy route.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded in the incident.
Officials of relevant security and transport agencies promptly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and ensure public safety.
Their intervention helped ease the congestion after several hours.
The derailment has once again raised concerns over railway safety in Nigeria. In recent years, the nation’s rail system has recorded several derailments and operational challenges, prompting calls for improved maintenance standards, regular inspections, and stronger safety measures.
Residents of the affected area urged the authorities to address recurring rail-related incidents, noting that such disruptions not only inconvenience commuters but also pose potential risks to lives and property.