NRC denied Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line Vandalisation

…. Says viral video misleading

The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (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 we appreciate 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, 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 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 vandalized, 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 incident of vandalism has been reported along that axis.

While we appreciate the Sahara Reporters for beaming a searchlight again on these criminal acts, the NRC management wish to again warn all those who have remained recalcitrant to refrain from vandalizing the train tracks or risk the stiff prosecution as economic saboteurs if caught.

The management also 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.

The Managing Director of the corporation , Dr. Kayode Opeifa also 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, even as he lauded the judiciary for the speedy trials and stiff punishments meted out to those whose matters have been disposed of at the courts. We appeal 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 however ensure that the media always cross check its information before misleading the members of the public.

He urged media outlets to verify their facts before publication, especially when reporting on issues that borders on critical national assets and security. Misrepresentation of facts he said does not only undermines the credibility of such platforms, but also causes undue alarm in the public.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation remains committed to the protection of all national rail infrastructure both standard and narrow gauges—and will continue to collaborate with security agencies, local communities and the media to prevent vandalism and prosecute offenders,” he said.

MIKE OCHONMA
EDITOR