Another Lagos bridge badly vandalised as Sanwo-Olu allays safety concerns
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — Another bridge in Lagos has allegedly been vandalised, with a section of the concrete protection of an overhead bridge around Mile 12 reportedly excavated to expose reinforced iron rods, raising fresh concerns over the safety of critical public infrastructure in the state.
The development came barely after residents raised the alarm over the alleged vandalisation of the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, where suspected scavengers were accused of breaking the concrete covering of some bridge pillars and removing iron reinforcements.
The latest incident, captured in a viral video, reportedly showed a suspected vandal caught in the act by vigilant residents, who expressed concern over the growing activities of scavengers targeting bridges and other public infrastructure for their iron components.
Residents urged relevant authorities to intervene immediately to prevent further damage, warning that continued vandalism could compromise public infrastructure and expose road users to danger.
They also called for increased security and surveillance around bridges and other public assets across the metropolis to curb the activities of vandals and scavengers.
The Mile 12 incident came as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday inspected the vandalised section of the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge and allayed fears over its structural safety.
Sanwo-Olu, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected bridge pillar at Vin-Niger, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, assured residents and motorists that preliminary assessment showed that the bridge remained structurally sound and safe for use.
The governor, however, declared a manhunt for those behind the vandalism and warned individuals involved in buying and selling stolen public infrastructure materials that government would pursue them.
The Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, constructed by the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, links the Ojo axis with Festac Town and serves as an important route for motorists and pedestrians.
The governor’s inspection followed a viral video circulating on social media at the weekend, in which a resident drew the attention of authorities to the alleged damage to the bridge.
The resident accused scavengers of breaking the concrete covering of the bridge pillars and extracting the iron rods inside, warning that continued excavation could compromise the structure.
He said: “This is the bridge that was constructed all the way from Alakija to link inside Festac. These scavengers have started removing iron from the pillars that support the bridge.
Reacting to the incident, Sanwo-Olu said the land and abutment of the bridge were under the control of the FHA, adding that the main structure remained intact despite the vandalism.
According to him, vandals had excavated and removed some fittings used to secure the facility, but the preliminary assessment did not indicate any compromise to the structural integrity of the bridge.
He described the development as “unacceptable” and vowed to go after those responsible, including persons who facilitate the criminal trade by purchasing stolen public infrastructure materials.
Meanwhile, 30 suspected vandals were arraigned before a Mobile Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos, for allegedly vandalising and removing iron rods supporting the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, Trade Fair, Orile and Abule Ado bridges.
The suspects pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently convicted and sentenced to two months imprisonment each by the court.
Reacting to the development, the Corps Marshal of the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, Major Olawale Cole, retd., said the agency remained determined to rid Lagos State of criminal elements through sustained enforcement.
Cole said the conviction would serve as a warning to others involved in the vandalisation of public infrastructure, adding that KAI would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to protect government property across the state.
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