Twenty-seven suspected hoodlums have been arrested for allegedly vandalising the bridge linking Alakija and FESTAC in Lagos, with the suspects accused of stripping the structure of iron rods, steel reinforcements and cables.
The arrests followed the discovery of extensive damage to the bridge’s pillars, allegedly caused by scavengers who broke into the concrete structures to remove embedded metal components.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Friday, describing the vandalism as a “disturbing act” capable of threatening the safety of the bridge.
According to him, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects deliberately targeted critical structural components of the bridge.
“Investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately vandalised critical structural components of the bridge by removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure,” Wahab said.
The development has sparked concern over the safety of the bridge, following a video circulating on social media showing police officers clearing shanties allegedly occupied by scavengers beneath the structure.
An unidentified man speaking in the video claimed several concrete pillars had already been broken open and their reinforcing rods removed.
He warned that continued vandalism could leave the bridge seriously weakened and expose motorists and residents to danger.
“This is the bridge constructed to link Alakija and FESTAC. These scavengers have started removing the iron rods from the pillars supporting the bridge,” he said.
He alleged that the vandals had targeted several of the pillars, breaking the concrete to gain access to the reinforcing steel.
The man also appealed to authorities to urgently intervene, warning that the bridge could face serious structural problems if the alleged vandalism continued.
Wahab warned that the destruction of the bridge’s structural components posed a major safety risk.
He said the 27 suspects arrested in connection with the vandalism would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Lagos State.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
ALSO READ!
1.5M LAGOSIANS NOW INSURED! Sanwo-Olu Reveals Health Insurance Boom
LAGOS HEALTH CRISIS! Sanwo-Olu Cries Out Over 40,000-Doctor, 40,000-Nurse Shortage
