The Chairman of a local government area in Oyo State has been accused of allegedly mobilising a group of thugs to vandalise railway infrastructure belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in parts of Ibadan, residents and community leaders said on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The alleged incident sparked outrage among commuters and rail users who say the sabotage disrupted services and endangered public safety.‎‎According to local eyewitnesses, the vandalism occurred along a section of track where critical rail components were damaged late Friday night. Community sources claim that the council chairman personally directed the attackers, who targeted bolts, clips and other metal operators say are essential for safe rail operations.
The NRC has previously warned against rail asset vandalism as “economic sabotage” that jeopardises passenger services and investment in infrastructure. ‎‎Railway users and Ibadan residents criticised the alleged involvement of a public official, saying political officeholders should protect, not destroy, national assets. One resident said the damage could delay freight movements and raise maintenance costs, adding to ongoing concerns over vandalism along rail corridors in Oyo State and beyond. ‎‎
Security agencies in the state have not yet issued an official statement on the accusations, and it remains unclear whether arrests have been made or if an investigation has been launched. Community leaders called for urgent action by law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and protect critical transport infrastructure from further attacks.