Vandals Disrupt Warri-Itakpe Train Services In Delta State.
Residents of Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, awoke on Tuesday to find extensive damage to the railway track passing through their community, caused by suspected vandals. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, disrupted the Warri-Itakpe train services, prompting swift action from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The NRC confirmed the vandalism in a post on X, sharing video footage that revealed several rail clips had been dismantled. The corporation announced that the stolen clips had been replaced, ensuring the track was safe for use. However, the vandalism caused a delay, with the WITS 01 train scheduled for 12 May 2025 departing 40 minutes late.
“A vandalised railway track was reported at Agbarho and promptly investigated by track and safety officers. The stolen clips have been replaced, and the track is now safe,” the NRC stated.
Community members expressed concern over the potential for a serious accident if the damage had gone undetected. They criticised the vandals for carrying out the act under the cover of night and urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent future incidents. “This could have caused a disaster if not addressed immediately,” one resident said, calling for urgent repairs and increased security measures.
Local residents also appealed to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to deploy personnel to protect critical infrastructure along the rail corridor. The vandalism follows a troubling trend, with similar incidents reported in other parts of the country, including the theft of over N20 billion worth of substation equipment in Imo State and the destruction of public utilities in Anambra and Yobe.
The NRC’s prompt response has restored normalcy to the Warri-Itakpe route, but the incident underscores the need for enhanced security to safeguard Nigeria’s railway infrastructure. Authorities are now under pressure to address the growing menace of vandalism to ensure the safety and reliability of train services nationwide.