LAGOS – The Commissioner of Police, Railway Police Command, Mr Nyats Jatau, said 120 persons were arrested for allegedly vandalising railway facilities at Ijoko area of Ogun on June 10.
Jatau told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that all persons arrested were still undergoing screening in order to ascertain their involvement in the crime.
He said that those found culpable would be charged to court on Friday, while others would be released.
NAN reports that some suspected persons, on Tuesday morning, allegedly invaded the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) at Itoki in Ogun and vandalised the station.
The hoodlums allegedly attacked the newly-inaugurated facilities by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, over increment in the fares.
A correspondent of NAN, who visited the railway station at Ebute Meta Junction, reports that the suspects were seen undergoing interrogation at the Railway Police Area Command Office.
NAN reports that some relations of the suspects were seen waiting for the faith of the suspects.
Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Monday, inaugurated two new trains and six 68 capacity air conditioned coaches at the Lagos Terminus, Iddo, to boost rail transport.
The NRC management implemented its planned increase in fares from N150 to N230 for the old train, while the new train costs N750 per drop.
Speaking on the development, the Lagos District Manager of the NRC, Mr Akin Osinowo described the incident as unfortunate.
Osinowo said that the destruction of the station and the train was carried out by hoodlums and not the passengers.
“Some hoodlums went to our station at Itoki to destroy the station and vandalised the new train. It is unfortunate.
“They are not passengers but hoodlums because we have run two trips on the route today with the new tariff and no chaos recorded.
“They carted away money, phones and our tickets. They were also ready to burn down the train with petrol in their hands,’’ he said.
According to the district manager, the Lagos State Police; the Ogun State Police; and the Nigerian Railway Police had brought the situation under control. (NAN)
