A 24-year-old man, Olalekan Kehinde, has been apprehended by the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for allegedly vandalizing a railway track in the Dagbolu area of Osogbo.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, the suspect carried out the act with his accomplice, Abbey, who is currently at large. The vandalism occurred over two consecutive days, Sunday, November 17, and Monday, November 18, 2024.
Adeleke stated that the suspects used a hammer to remove the pandrol clips from the railway track. They were caught in the act on Monday, and one of the suspects was arrested while the other escaped.
Kehinde confessed that his accomplice taught him how to remove the pandrol clips. The stolen items were sold as scrap to metal buyers in the state.
Reacting to the arrest, the Osun NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, condemned the increasing rate of vandalism of national assets. He warned scrap dealers against purchasing stolen materials.
Sotiyo stated that the NSCDC would embark on routine operations around the stores of metal scrap buyers in the state. Anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
The Osun NSCDC Commandant commended the residents of Dagbolu for their timely intelligence, which led to the successful apprehension of the suspect.
Pandrol clips are high-strength steel fasteners used to secure railway tracks to sleepers. They ensure track stability, proper alignment, and vibration absorption during train operations.
The NSCDC’s efforts to combat railway vandalism are crucial in ensuring the safety and integrity of the country’s railway infrastructure.
