NRC Exposes Fake Vandalism Claims on Lagos-Ibadan Rail, Says Footage Is Misleading

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has categorically dismissed reports circulating online that allege acts of vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway, asserting that the claims are misleading and based on misrepresented footage.

According to IReporter Online, the clarification was issued in Lagos by the NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, via a statement delivered through the Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu. The statement refuted the suggestion that the $1.5 billion railway corridor, commissioned in 2021, had been compromised by vandals.

Dr. Opeifa clarified that the footage in question does not depict the standard gauge line but rather relates to a separate incident involving the old narrow gauge railway route traversing parts of Oyo State. Specifically, he said the documented acts of vandalism occurred between August 7 and August 27, 2024, along the Omi-Adio to Erunmu stretch, covering kilometre points 170 to 240.

Further details show that at kilometre 218, vandals removed 250 E-clips, while at kilometre 221, 16 short rails and an additional rail were stolen. A subsequent incident on September 9, 2024, led to the theft of 280 more E-clips and two utility poles at kilometre 219.

In response, the NRC swiftly implemented countermeasures by engaging local stakeholders, including community leaders in Erunmu, local vigilante teams, and law enforcement agencies. Sensitisation campaigns were also launched in scrap markets around Agodi Gate to discourage the trade in stolen railway components.

These efforts, according to NRC officials, resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects, all of whom were handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for further investigation and prosecution. Dr. Opeifa emphasized that since the enforcement actions were taken, no new incidents of vandalism have been reported in the affected areas.

He urged the public to disregard misleading reports and reaffirmed that the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway remains intact and safe for passengers. He also issued a stern warning against future acts of sabotage, assuring that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.