The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised alarm over the alleged destruction and removal of federal railway assets worth several millions of naira in Ibadan, an action it says was carried out under the watch of the Oyo State Government.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, along its legally protected railway right-of-way at the Mile One–Ten axis in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
According to the NRC, the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Adeyemi Amanda, personally led the operation which resulted in the vandalisation of critical railway infrastructure. The operation allegedly involved a group of thugs, individuals dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms, and operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun.
The Corporation further alleged that the Council Chairman openly claimed to be acting on the instructions of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a development that has raised serious concerns about the possible involvement of state authorities in the destruction of federally owned assets.
Items reportedly destroyed and carted away during the operation include rail tracks, sleepers, signal poles, billboards, and perimeter fences belonging to NRC tenants operating legally within the corridor. The NRC stressed that the affected location is a clearly demarcated and statutorily protected railway right-of-way.
Efforts by officers of the NRC Police Command to stop the operation were reportedly resisted, forcing them to withdraw from the scene, further escalating fears of a breakdown of law and order.
Describing the incident as a grave violation of federal law, the Nigerian Railway Corporation said it is compiling comprehensive documentation of the vandalism and will pursue appropriate security, administrative, and legal actions to protect its assets and prevent future encroachments across the country.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, called on Governor Makinde to immediately rein in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Chairman, warning that continued inaction could worsen tensions and lead to sustained abuse of the rights of railway workers.
Dr. Opeifa reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to maintaining law and order despite what he described as provocation, noting that the NRC would not hesitate to seek federal intervention if such actions persist.
