Residents Accuse Oyo Council Chairman Of Leading Thugs To Vandalise NRC Rail Assets In Ibadan
Concerned Residents of the Mile One Central/Odo Ona axis of Ibadan have reportedly accused the Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government Area, Hon. Kehinde Akande, of leading suspected thugs to invade and vandalise properties belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
It was gathered that the incident occurred on February 2, 2026, at the Mile One Central/Odo Ona axis of Ibadan, where NRC railway assets are situated.
Residents alleged that the chairman arrived at the scene with a group of armed youths who forcefully pulled down and carted away railway tracks, concrete sleepers, signal poles, count boards and other critical rail infrastructure.
According to an eyewitness, the operation was carried out in broad daylight, throwing the area into confusion as residents watched helplessly.
The reportedly vandalised NRC assets are part of federally owned infrastructure under the supervision of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, as eyewitnesses expressed shock over the alleged involvement of a serving local government chairman.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, had recently expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signalling infrastructure, describing them as Critical National Assets.
He stated that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, would treat such offences as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.
Dr. Opeifa had further appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.
He noted that the railway system has always served as a catalyst for community development and improved livelihoods, and safeguarding it remains a collective responsibility.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
