Infrastructure vandalism: Scavengers threaten Lagos bridge, 27 arrested

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has uncovered alleged vandalism of critical infrastructure beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town with the Alakija area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of the state.

The discovery was made during a special enforcement operation conducted by state government agencies in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of infractions, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and unauthorised activities on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways.

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Friday through his official X handle.

According to Wahab, preliminary investigations indicated that suspected vandals, including scavengers, had allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials from beneath the bridge.

He said the alleged removal of the materials could compromise the structural integrity of the infrastructure and pose a safety concern to members of the public.

“This criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” Wahab stated.

Following the discovery, a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force was launched at the location.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 27 suspects, who Wahab said would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.

“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and will continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups engaged in acts of vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents,” he said.

Residents condemn alleged vandalism

Some residents who reacted to the development condemned the alleged vandalism and called for stricter enforcement and appropriate punishment for offenders.

A resident identified as @Primax2U said government should also address some of the socio-economic factors that could encourage people to engage in scavenging and other activities to make a living.

“As much as it’s bad destroying government property and risking lives, government needs to also assist in subsidising basic amenities or, better still, create job opportunities that would definitely remove more idle minds to more productive things than destruction to make a living,” the resident said.

Another resident, identified as @tycityevents, expressed concern over the alleged removal of structural materials from beneath the bridge.

“We have some terrible people in Lagos. How can anyone dig deep beneath a bridge just to remove the steel reinforcement rods? If urgent action isn’t taken, this bridge could be at serious risk,” the resident stated.

Third Mainland Bridge

The latest incident recalls similar cases of alleged vandalism reported on the Third Mainland Bridge, where suspects were arrested in connection with the removal of newly installed infrastructure.

The Third Mainland Bridge has previously been targeted by vandals, with reports of the theft and destruction of safety installations, including solar-powered reflective road studs and bridge railings.

Authorities subsequently intensified surveillance and patrols around the bridge, with CCTV systems also deployed to assist in identifying and tracking suspected offenders.

The removal of road studs and reflective lighting installations can reduce visibility for motorists, particularly at night, potentially increasing road safety risks.

The incidents have prompted condemnation from government officials and calls for stronger surveillance and protection of public infrastructure across Lagos.

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