Nigeria Railway Corporation accuses Ibadan council chair of vandalism

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has alleged the destruction and removal of railway fixed assets along its right-of-way in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, Oyo State.

In a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the destroyed assets were valued at several million naira.

Mr Opeifa said the incident occurred on Monday, 2 February, and was allegedly carried out by the Ibadan South-West Local Government chairman, Kehinde Amanda.

He alleged the chairman led thugs, individuals dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms, and Amotekun operatives to vandalise NRC property at the Mile One-Ten axis.

“The council chairman claimed to be acting on the instructions of the state governor,” Opeifa said.

He said rails, sleepers, signal poles, billboards and fences belonging to NRC tenants along the corridor were destroyed and carted away.

“The affected area is a clearly defined and statutorily protected railway right-of-way,” he added.

Mr Opeifa said NRC Police Command officers were resisted while attempting to repel the action, forcing their withdrawal from the scene.

Describing the incident as a grave violation, he said the corporation was documenting the matter comprehensively for further action.

“The NRC will pursue appropriate security, administrative and legal measures to safeguard its assets and prevent future encroachments nationwide,” he said.

Mr Opeifa appealed to the Oyo State governor to call the council chairman to order to avert a breakdown of law and order.

He pledged the corporation’s continued commitment to maintaining law and order in spite of the provocation.

(NAN)