Opeifa’s Attention Needed As Residents Raise Alarm Over Mass Vandalism Of Rail Tracks In Delta

By Roland Ekama 

Residents of Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, have raised the alarm over extensive vandalism of rail tracks.

Video footage confirmed that some rail clips have been dismantled by vandals during the early hours of the day, with community members expressing shock over the long-distance vandalism.

According to them, the crime scene could lead to an accident if the relevant authorities fail to take immediate action to repair the rail tracks.

They lamented that the criminals carried out the act at night and stressed that the situation requires urgent attention before train operations resume along the route.

Those behind the video footage also called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), led by its Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, to act swiftly to prevent further damage and future accidents.

Similarly, the residents urged other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force-especially the Railway Command-and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to deploy personnel to the area to protect government assets along the corridor.

DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA recalls that vandals have continued to destroy government rail assets across the country for over a decade.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation recently announced the resumption of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) following a temporary suspension caused by technical and operational challenges.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NRC confirmed that full operations will resume on April 30, 2025, with trains running six days a week starting May 1, 2025.

The revised schedule will see the service operate Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, while Thursdays will be reserved for routine maintenance.

The service had been suspended on April 10, 2025, prompting concerns among regular commuters and travelers who depend on the vital rail link between Delta and Kogi.