No vandalism on Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line — NRC refutes viral video claims

By Kunle Sanni –

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has refuted social media reports alleging vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line, describing the claims as misleading, outdated, and unrelated to the standard gauge corridor.

In a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the Corporation clarified that the viral video shared by Sahara Reporters and other platforms actually depicted vandalism on a different rail line — the old narrow gauge route between Omi-Adio and Erunmu in Oyo State — not the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge project commissioned in 2021.

“The referenced video was not recent and did not occur on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge corridor as erroneously indicated,” the NRC stated.

According to the Corporation, the incidents occurred between August 7 and 27, 2024, affecting concrete sleeper tracks on the narrow gauge line around Km 218–221 in Erunmu, where 250 E-clips, 16 short rails, and other components were stolen. A separate theft occurred on September 9, 2004, at Km 219, involving 280 E-clips and two poles.

In response, the NRC launched several interventions including community engagement, the involvement of local vigilante groups and police, and a public sensitisation campaign targeting scrap metal dealers in the Agodi Gate area to curb the illicit trade in railway materials.

“Several suspects were arrested by the Oyo State Police CID and handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for prosecution,” the statement noted, adding that no further incidents have been recorded in the affected areas since then.

The NRC commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the judiciary for their continued support, stating that arrests and prosecutions are ongoing, with stiff penalties for offenders.

NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, urged media outlets to ensure factual and responsible reporting, especially on matters involving critical national infrastructure and public safety.