Centre relives sad memories of Langa Langa train accident
The sad memories of the 56 years old train accident that claimed many lives at Langa Langa Town in the old Benue-Plateau state, were relived at an exhibition tagged Langa
The sad memories of the 56 years old train accident that claimed many lives at Langa Langa Town in the old Benue-Plateau state, were relived at an exhibition tagged Langa Langa Train Accident, held at the Centre for Research Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD) Museum in Ajao Estate, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Founder and Curator of the Museum, Dr Raphael James, who took staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) through the exhibition, disclosed that the train accident was being recreated by the centre, not only to remind Nigeria of one of its worst train disasters, but to further strengthen institutional collaboration between the Nigerian Railway Corporation and CRIMMD.
According to him, the tragic incident occurred in 1970 in Langa Langa, a town in the old Benue-Plateau, now in present Nasarawa State.
He said: “The ill-fated train had departed from the old Benue, en route to Enugu, in the Eastern region, carrying a large number of passengers, many of whom were students. The accident occurred shortly after the train made its first stop in Lafia.”
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Dr. James, son of a retired train driver with the Nigerian Railway, said the derailed train fell on the hapless passengers, and efforts to even rescue the few that could be rescued alive, was met with another tragedy as the ambulance conveying them to the hospital also plunged into the river.
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He said the Nigerian Railway Corporation has made significant progress since the Langa Langa accident that it is almost impossible to imagine an accident of that magnitude ever happening again on the nation’s railway.
The renowned archivist personally conducted the NRC team on a guided tour of the museum, which has several sections, such as the nation’s financial evolution, Nigerian music and Nollywood, Mama’s kitchen, Nigeria’s soft drink evolution, and a library, among others.
There are also tons of artifacts reflecting Nigeria’s historical journey, which further signposts the museum as a natural history and culture museum.
It has collections that showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, as well as old Nigerian and Biafran currencies and other historically significant artefacts.
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The exhibition provides valuable insights into Nigeria’s history, culture, and its evolution. The display serves as an important reminder of the need to preserve historical records for future generations.
Dr. James appealed to the Nigerian Railway Corporation to support the museum’s efforts at curating relevant train artefacts, by donating old railway relics and historical materials to be preserved in its museum.
He emphasized that such contributions would enrich the museum’s collection and helps preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s railway industry.
Director Administration and Human Resources of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Monsurat Omotayo expressed sincere appreciation to CRIMMD for the invitation and warm reception.
Dr Omotayo, who was accompanied by Assistant Director (Statistics) Mr. Akinola and the Special Adviser to the Managing Director on Media and Communication, Mr. Adeyinka Aderibigbe, and other NRC staff, described the visit as informative and educative, noting that it served as a reminder of Nigeria’s historical roots and the importance of preservation of institutional memory.
While noting that all railway property remained national assets, she however advised Dr. James to formally write to the Nigerian Railway Corporation requesting for the release of any relevant artifacts which it considered good for the museum’s purpose.
She said the visit to the Museum, which was first mooted in December, was both enlightening and impactful for the Nigerian Railway Corporation staff as it deepened their knowledge of a significant historical railway event and reinforced the importance of preserving the nation’s rail heritage.
The engagement also opened avenues for potential collaboration between NRC and CRIMMD in safeguarding historical railway artifacts for educational and research purposes. CRIMMD officially opened the Langa Langa Train accident exhibition, as part of its preservation of historical facts. The Langa Langa exhibition, which opened on February 21, ended last Saturday.
