Hoodlums suspected to be political thugs have reportedly vandalised critical railway infrastructure in Ibadan, Oyo State, defying attempts by security forces to stop them.
The incident occurred on Monday along the Mile One – Odo Ona railway corridor. According to the Nigeria Railway Corporation, the vandals damaged rails, sleepers, signal poles, and count boards.
Mr. Olawale Ayeni, the Public Relations Officer for the NRC’s Western District in Ibadan, confirmed the attack to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
“We have notified our headquarters, and I believe that required attention will be given to the matter,” Ayeni stated. He added that the Railway Police Command had also been formally informed.
An eyewitness account obtained by NAN suggests the vandalism was led by an official from a local government within the Ibadan metropolis. The source reported that the official claimed authority to clear the railway land for commercial development by the council.
The operation allegedly proceeded even after the official was shown the visible rail tracks and installations, which clearly mark the property of the Nigeria Railway Corporation.
Efforts by officers of the Nigerian Railway Police Command to halt the destruction were reportedly resisted by the group at the site.
When contacted for reaction, the Information Officer of the Ibadan South West Local Government, Mrs. Kehinde Adediran, said the council chairman was unavailable for comment.
“He is busy with the activities of the Oyo State at 50. I am not aware of the incident and cannot comment on behalf of the chairman on the incident,” Adediran said.
The NRC is assessing the full extent of the damage while investigations continue.
