Onanuga’s comment was in response to a post by Salawu Omoiyaonipako (@salawueedris1) on X, which highlighted incidents of vandalism along the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife expressway.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has sparked controversy by suggesting on social media that vandals of public property should be shot on sight.
In a post on X on Sunday, Onanuga called for immediate action against them.
“Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are the worst specie of citizenships,” he said.
Onanuga’s comment was in response to a post by Salawu Omoiyaonipako (@salawueedris1) on X, which highlighted incidents of vandalism along the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife expressway.
“Update on the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife federal highway,” Salawu wrote.
“Vandals are at it again! They’re cutting and removing the starter bars/Shoulder rods at the construction site.
“This is pure wickedness. The Government is helping us to build good roads, but some Nigerians are vandalizing them. I’m tired!”
Vandalism of railway infrastructure, including manholes, shoulder rods, starter bars, and bolts from rail tracks, remains a persistent problem, with some attributing it to poverty.
In August 2025, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that several suspects were arrested by the Oyo State Police CID and handed over to the Railway Police Command in Lagos for further investigation and prosecution.
The NRC issued a stern warning to vandals and their collaborators, including smelting companies and scrap dealers, describing them as economic saboteurs who would face severe consequences if caught.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of NRC, commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Civil Defence Corps for their daily efforts in apprehending vandals, and praised the judiciary for “speedy trials and stiff punishments” in concluded cases.
The statement followed a viral TikTok video showing a netizen walking along railway tracks and documenting widespread damage.
The footage revealed that bolts and fasteners critical to train stability had been systematically stolen. In the video, the narrator expressed frustration over the consequences of the vandalism.
“See how the thieves vandalised the railway. They have stolen all the bolts. And if the train is coming now, it may derail because of this. Why can't we make Nigeria better?” he said.