The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa has reiterated its commitment to protect all national rail infrastructure, both standard and narrow gauge while promising to collaborate with security agencies, local communities and the media to prevent vandalism and prosecute offenders.
Dr. Opeifa disclosed that the Management of NRC has observed with concern a report published on the internet, by Sahara Reporters via its X-handle (formerly Twitter) and replicated by several other platforms, which claimed that vandals have invaded a section of the $1.5 Billion Lagos-Ibadan Railway Project inaugurated by late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, stealing major components.
While refuting misleading trending viral videos on the internet as old and issues resolved, the NRC managing director appreciated the efforts of Sahara Reporters and the other platforms that reposted the viral story to draw attention to the ugly activities of these economic saboteurs whose activities are jeopardizing smooth railway operations across the country, as they continue to vandalise critical national assets,
Opeifa further stated that, “we wish to state that the referenced video, was not recent and did not occur on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor as erroneously indicated. Rather, the incident took place between the 7th and 27th of August 2024, along the old narrow gauge line between Km 170 (Omi-Adio) and Km 240 (Erunmu), in the Oyo State.”
According to NRC internal communication dated 7th August 2024, the vandalised section involves the narrow gauge line laid on concrete sleepers. Documented records showed that these acts were recorded twice in August, (between August 7th and 27th, 2024), at Km 218 (Erunmu, Ibadan), where 250 E-clips were vandalised, and at Km 221 (Erunmu, Ibadan), where 16 short rails and one additional short rail were carted away. Also on September 9, 2004, another 280 E-clips, including two poles, were stolen at Km 219 (Erunmu, Ibadan).
“These incidents triggered immediate intervention by the Corporation through community engagement, involving the village head of Erunmu, the vigilante group, and the police. Sensitisation campaigns were also organised at Agodi Gate, targeting scrap metal dealers to curb the purchase of stolen railway materials which are critical national assets.
“Following these actions, several suspects were arrested by the Oyo State Police CID and handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos, for further interrogation and prosecution. Since then, no further incidents of vandalism have been reported along that axis.
“While we appreciate the Sahara Reporters for beaming a searchlight again on these criminal acts, the NRC management wishes to again warn all those who have remained recalcitrant to refrain from vandalising the train tracks or risk the stiff prosecution as economic saboteurs if caught,” he said.
The NRC helmsman called on all their collaborators, whether smelting companies or foundries or anyone serving as receivers of these stolen items that they would be regarded as economic saboteurs and their companies treated as saboteurs if caught.
Dr. Opeifa applauded the efforts of the Railway Command of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across the country, who have continued to apprehend these vandals daily.
He also lauded the judiciary for the speedy trials and stiff punishments meted out to those whose matters have been disposed of at the courts while appealing for continued support.
“While applauding the media for the support in their sustained interest against vandalism of railway assets especially its track and rolling stock irons across the country, we urged them to ensure that the media always cross-check their information before misleading the members of the public.
“We urge media outlets to verify their facts before publication, especially when reporting on issues that border on critical national assets and security. Misrepresentation not only undermines the credibility of such platforms but also causes undue alarm in the public,” he said.