NRC Accuses Ibadan South-West LG Chairman of Leading Thugs, Fake Soldiers in Vandalism of Multi-Million Naira Railway Assets

In a shocking development that has raised concerns over the security of federal infrastructure, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has accused the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, Hon. Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, of orchestrating the destruction and removal of railway assets worth millions of naira. The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, along the Mile One-Ten axis in Ibadan, has been described by the NRC as a blatant violation of federal property rights and an act of economic sabotage.

According to a statement issued by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the vandalism was allegedly led by Hon. Akande himself, who reportedly arrived at the scene with a group comprising suspected thugs, individuals dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms, and operatives from the Oyo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun. The chairman claimed to be acting on instructions from Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, a claim that has yet to be verified but has sparked widespread outrage on social media and among stakeholders.

Eyewitness accounts and NRC reports detail how vital railway components, including rails, sleepers, signal poles, billboards, and fences belonging to NRC tenants, were systematically destroyed and carted away. The affected area is a statutorily protected railway right-of-way, underscoring the federal nature of the assets involved. Attempts by NRC Police Command officers to intervene were met with resistance, forcing them to retreat to avoid escalation.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, similar encroachments on railway corridors have been a recurring issue in Oyo State, but this latest episode marks a dangerous escalation with direct involvement of a local government official.

The NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has appealed to Governor Makinde to rein in the LG chairman to prevent a breakdown of law and order. “This is a grave violation of federal railway assets,” the statement read, emphasizing that the corporation is documenting the incident comprehensively and will pursue security, administrative, and legal actions to safeguard its properties nationwide.

Public reactions have been swift and condemning. On X (formerly Twitter), users have called for immediate arrest and prosecution under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap 17 (Laws of the Federation, 2024), which prescribes up to 21 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for vandalism of railway infrastructure. One user, @woye1, urged Dr. Opeifa to treat the matter as a criminal case without courtesy calls, stating, “The offender has no immunity… the guy should be at FHC, Ibadan today asap.”

Experts have highlighted the broader implications, noting that such acts could derail Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its rail transport system, which is crucial for economic growth and reducing road congestion. The NRC has pledged to maintain law and order despite provocations, but insiders fear this could strain federal-state relations if not addressed promptly.

NaijaChoice News reached out to the Oyo State Government and Hon. Akande’s office for comments, but responses were not received as of press time. Investigations are ongoing, and stakeholders are watching closely for developments in this matter that touches on federalism, security, and infrastructure protection.