Police arrest NRC workers for vandalising corporation’s railings

FOUR employees of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (names not given) have been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly vandalising the railings of the Corporation at Oniyanrin-Owodotun community of the state.

It was gathered that the four Railway workers were apprehended on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, by some youth of the Oniyanrin-Owodotun community who accosted them while carrying out the nefarious activity.

However, one other suspected vandal, identified as a welder, is currently said to be at large.

The District Manager (West) of NRC, Engr. Angelique Ikwuka, who made the disclosure during a media briefing on activities of the NRC at the Western District headquarters of the Corporation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday, said the Railway made significant success by kick-starting the standard gauge train services between Iju, Lagos and Laderin in Ogun State.

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She said: “The Western District, covering kilometre 486+12 wants to keep the public aware of developments in the Corporation. One of these is the commencement of the three-month free train services from Laderin in Abeokuta to Iju, Lagos on the standard gauge on February 12, 2019.

“The train departed Laderin at 7 am; it is expected to depart Laderin community daily and will make a return journey from Iju at 16:00 hours.

“We shall be looking forward to getting feedback as it will help us to improve and deliver quality service.

“Another development was the case of vandalism of Railway properties which happened a few days ago in Oniyanrin-Owodotun. Some of our staff were among the culprits.

“I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the management to appreciate and commend the efforts of these youths and also reach out to other communities within the Railway corridors to please report any of such cases or help in apprehending anyone vandalising Railway properties.”

Ikwuka said in line with the Federal Government’s zero tolerance for crime, the NRC would ensure that the men are investigated and made to face the law if found culpable.

She stated: “I want to state that the culprits and the indulging staff involved would be dealt with under the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others who may be harbouring such intentions.”