NRC Denies Report Of Vandalism On Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has dismissed circulating online reports suggesting that the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail line has been vandalised, describing the claims as misleading, outdated, and untrue.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, through the Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, clarified that the viral video being referenced did not involve the $1.5 billion Lagos–Ibadan rail corridor inaugurated in 2021, but rather incidents recorded on the old narrow gauge line in Oyo State.
“The management of NRC has noted with concern a recent online publication alleging that vandals had damaged sections of the Lagos–Ibadan rail corridor. We wish to categorically state that the report is inaccurate and based on incidents unrelated to the standard gauge infrastructure,” the statement read.
Dr Opeifa explained that the vandalism in question occurred along the Omi-Adio to Erunmu axis, between kilometre 170 and kilometre 240, and involved the narrow gauge railway line.
He added that the reported cases took place between August and September 2024, and not recently as suggested in the online reports.
According to documented records, the Corporation experienced theft of rail components on multiple occasions within that period. At kilometre 218, 250 E-clips were carted away, while 16 short rails and one full rail were stolen at kilometre 221. A further incident on 9th September 2024 led to the theft of 280 E-clips and two poles at kilometre 219.
Following the incidents, the NRC said it swiftly engaged local stakeholders, including traditional rulers in Erunmu, local vigilantes, and the Nigerian Police. A public sensitisation campaign was also conducted at Agodi Gate in Ibadan to discourage scrap metal dealers from purchasing stolen rail materials.
“These efforts led to the arrest of several suspects, who have been handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for interrogation and prosecution,” Dr Opeifa said, adding that since the interventions, there had been no further cases of vandalism along the affected axis.
The NRC boss appealed to the public to disregard any report linking vandalism to the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge line and warned that acts of sabotage against national infrastructure would not be tolerated.
He reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to safeguarding railway assets and ensuring the safety of commuters.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
