NRC raises alarm over fresh rail track vandalism

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised concerns over renewed and coordinated attacks on rail infrastructure in some parts of the country.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, raised the concern in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Opeifa said the concern followed fresh incidents of vandalism recorded in Plateau and Bauchi states.

He described the development as disturbing and a direct attack on critical national infrastructure.

He added that the vandalism was an affront on public safety, economic growth and national security.

“In one of the latest incidents recorded on May 21, a truck reportedly loaded with vandalised railway materials became stuck between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State.

“This exposed the dangerous activities of criminal elements involved in the destruction and illegal movement of railway materials.

“Similarly, along Zango in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind few disjointed rail pieces.

“The corporation warns that such acts can result in catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives and destruction of government investments worth billions of Naira,” he said.

He emphasised that railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings and signaling materials were critical national assets built with taxpayers’ money to facilitate transport, trade and national development.

Opeifa advised that these should never be treated as scraps for illegal business.

According to him, the increasing incidents of vandalism indicate a dangerous pattern that requires urgent collective action from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens living on railway lines.

Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a national symbol and a strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times.

He warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist from such acts.

He said that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.

“The corporation also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide.

“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities,” he said. ( NAN)