By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums over the alleged vandalism of critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town with Alakija in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested during a joint midnight enforcement operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force, following the discovery of extensive damage beneath the bridge.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Friday, saying the operation was carried out as part of efforts to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental and other infractions.
According to Wahab, investigators found that suspected scavengers had allegedly broken into parts of the bridge and removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials considered essential to the integrity of the structure.
The alleged vandalism has raised concerns about public safety, as the removal of structural components could potentially weaken the bridge and expose motorists and other road users to danger.
Wahab described the act as a serious threat to public safety and an attack on government investment in critical infrastructure.
He said the 27 suspects arrested during the operation would be prosecuted under the relevant laws of Lagos State.
The enforcement operation followed a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks and other unauthorised activities along the Lagos-Badagry corridor.
The state government has also indicated that enforcement would continue around bridges and other public infrastructure to prevent vandalism and activities that could endanger residents.
The incident has renewed concerns over the activities of scrap-metal scavengers, popularly associated with the call for “iron condemn”, and the damage their activities can cause when public infrastructure is targeted.
Authorities are expected to investigate the suspects further to establish the full extent of the alleged vandalism and determine whether others were involved.
