Osun State government has explained that the annual Ileya free train ride for indigenes of the state has been suspended due to damaged rail track.
The free train ride was instituted for indigenes coming from Lagos and its environ for the annual Ileya Festival celebration.
The state government stated in a release by the spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that it had put in place a proper machinery to offer the Imole Train Service for the Ileya celebration.
It added that it was however forced to suspend the service after the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) informed it of a train accident around Abeokuta-Lagos old gauge line.
Osun State Ministry of Commerce announced the suspension of the free Ileya train ride.
It expressed regret over the inability of the state government to facilitate the free ride for indigenes during the Ileya festive period.
The state government explained that the issue of the damaged lines was totally out of its control as all rail lines are under the purview of the Federal Government.
It also noted that it could not continue with the free train ride service out of concern for the safety of passengers, which it noted the damaged track has put into serious doubt.
The Governor Adeleke administration said it recognized the immediate challenge that the suspension of the free train ride service during the Ileya celebration service portends.
It therefore assured the Indigenes and people of the state of ongoing efforts to avoid a reoccurrence of the experience in the future.
“The Osun State government, under Governor Adeleke assured citizens of sustained commitment to their well-being, wishing Muslims in Osun State and beyond a hitch-free Ileya celebration,” it was stated in the release.
