February 04, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has accused the Oyo State Government of deploying local government officials, operatives of the Amotekun corps, and suspected thugs to vandalise federal railway assets along its right-of-way in Ibadan.
In a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC reported that the incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Mile One–Ten axis of Ibadan.
The corporation alleged that the vandalism was led by the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Adeyemi Amanda, who reportedly claimed he was acting on the directives of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation has received a worrisome report involving the destruction and removal of railway fixed assets worth several millions of naira along its right-of-way in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the statement said.
The NRC alleged that the council chairman led a group comprising suspected thugs, individuals dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms, and operatives of the Amotekun corps to dismantle and cart away assets.
The corporation listed the affected items to include rails, sleepers, signal poles, billboards, and fences belonging to NRC tenants. It emphasized that the area is a “clearly defined and statutorily protected railway right-of-way.”
The statement further disclosed that efforts by the NRC Police Command to stop the destruction were met with resistance, forcing officers to withdraw from the scene to avoid a violent escalation.
Describing the incident as a grave violation of federal property, the NRC stated it is documenting the matter in detail and will pursue appropriate security, administrative, and legal measures to safeguard its assets and prevent future encroachment on railway corridors nationwide.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, appealed to Governor Makinde to immediately call the local government chairman to order.
He warned that the situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order and decried what he termed the continued abuse of the fundamental rights of railway workers.
Opeifa pledged that the corporation would maintain law and order despite the provocation.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
