Stealing railway facilities is sabotage, threat to safety –NRC, MD

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

Concerned about increasing spate of Vandalisation of rail assets, Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed need for suspected hoodlums to put a stop to attacks on railway facilities, saying the trend is a sabotage and serious threat to safety of passengers and railway personnel.

He made this remark following fresh incidents of vandalism recorded in Plateau state involving a truck reportedly loaded with vandalized railway materials which brokedown between Kuru and Science School, Kuru in Plateau State.

According to a statement issued by chief public relations officer of the corporation, Callistus Uyinmadu on behalf of management, a similar case happened along Zango, in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, where railway slippers were completely removed on both sides of a level crossing, leaving behind few disjointed rail pieces.

While raising concern over renewed and coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in parts of the country, Opeifa warned that such acts could result in catastrophic train accidents, disruption of rail services, loss of lives and destruction of government investments worth billions of naira.

According to him, the increasing incidents of vandalism in the North Central and North East corridors indicate a dangerous pattern that requires urgent collective action from security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents living along railway lines.

The NRC boss also appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a national symbol and strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times. He warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately, stressing that anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.

He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations around railway corridors nationwide, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.

Opeifa emphasized that railway tracks, slippers, clips, fastenings and signaling materials are critical national assets built with taxpayers’ money to facilitate transportation, trade, economic activities and national development, and should never be treated as scraps for illegal business.

The Corporation described the disturbing development as a direct attack on critical national infrastructure, and an affront on public safety, economic growth and national security.

Opeifa appealed to Nigerians to see railway infrastructure as a national symbol and strategic economic asset that must be protected at all times. He warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase, movement or destruction of railway materials to desist immediately, stressing 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, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.