|By Adejumo Adejumo
…Agency debunks viral video as outdated footage from a different line
…Several suspects arrested, rail vandalism curbed through local vigilance
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has debunked widespread online claims alleging that the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway has been vandalised, describing the reports as misleading and not reflective of the current state of the rail corridor.
In a statement released on Saturday in Lagos, the NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, through the Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, clarified that the footage circulating online depicts vandalism on the old narrow gauge line in Oyo State, not on the standard gauge corridor inaugurated in 2021.
“The management of NRC has noted with concern a recent online publication alleging that vandals had damaged sections of the $1.5 billion Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor. We wish to categorically state that the report is inaccurate,” the statement read.
Opeifa explained that the incidents captured in the viral video occurred between August 7 and August 27, 2024, along the Omi-Adio to Erunmu axis, between kilometre 170 and kilometre 240, on the outdated narrow gauge line. Documented records show that vandals carted away 250 E-clips at kilometre 218, along with 16 short rails and one additional rail at kilometre 221. Another incident on September 9, 2024, led to the theft of 280 E-clips and two poles at kilometre 219.
To address the situation, Opeifa said the NRC swiftly deployed countermeasures, including engaging local leadership in Erunmu, collaborating with vigilante groups, and enlisting the support of the Nigeria Police. The Corporation also launched an awareness campaign at Agodi Gate, warning scrap dealers against purchasing stolen railway 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,” he said. “Since these interventions, there has been no fresh case of vandalism on that axis.”
Opeifa urged the public to ignore any report linking vandalism to the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway, describing such reports as baseless and dangerous. He warned that anyone caught attempting to sabotage the nation’s rail infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
