Railway Assets protection need more attention from Security Outfits.... Transportation Correspondents.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

The Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has called on all security agencies to properly secure railway assets scattered across the country from incessant vandalisation.

In a statement released at the weekend by the Chairman of TCAN, Mr. Tola Adenubi, the group stated that unchecked vandalisation of railway assets is eroding the gains made in the last few years under the Federal Government's Railway Modernisation projects.

TCAN also commended the officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Railway Command for promptly apprehending two vandals, Ibrahim Abdullahi (22 years old) of Hayi, Rigasa; and Sani Ibrahim (24 years old) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa who were recently arrested in Kaduna for vandalising and selling railway electrical and signalling assets equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.

Decrying the Incessant cases of vandalisation of railway assets, TCAN stated that buyers of stolen railway assets, including metal smelting companies and foundries should be prosecuted for encouraging railway assets vandalisation in Nigeria.

According to the TCAN Chairman, "As long as there is a market for stolen iron metals, the onslaught against railway assets by vandals will persists.

"It is high time security agencies beam their searchlight on the activities of metal smelting companies and foundries. How they source for iron metals should be investigated.

"The continous vandalisation of railway assets is drawing back the gains made on rail infrastructure development across the country.

"The recent accident that occurred on the Abuja-Kaduna Passenger Train between Kubwa and Asham stations was partly down to vandalisation of railway assets.

"It is imperative that our security agencies increase daily patrol of railway assets to forestall any future act of vandalism that may further derail the gains made on railway development in Nigeria."

The TCAN leadership also commended the Dr. Kayode Opeifa led NRC Management for prompt response to most of the vandalisation issues reported across the nations railway assets.

"While we commend the Dr. Kayode Opeifa led management for prompt response to vandalisation issues plaguing railway assets across the country, we urge all hands to be on deck in the fight against railway assets in Nigeria,"

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