Lagos suffers fresh incident of bridge destruction, Sanwo-Olu reassures public about structural integrity

A fresh case of bridge vandalism has been reported in Lagos, with a section of the overhead bridge near Mile 12 being targeted, and the concrete protection excavated to expose the reinforced iron rods, sparking concerns about the safety of public infrastructure in the state.

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This incident comes on the heels of a similar incident at the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, where scavengers were accused of removing iron reinforcements from bridge pillars, prompting residents to raise the alarm and call for immediate intervention from authorities.

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A viral video captured the latest incident, showing a suspected vandal being caught in the act by residents, who expressed concern about the growing trend of targeting bridges and public infrastructure for their iron components.

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Residents are urging authorities to increase security and surveillance around bridges and public assets to prevent further vandalism, warning that continued damage could compromise public infrastructure and put road users at risk.

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently inspected the vandalised section of the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge and assured residents that the bridge remains structurally sound and safe for use, despite the vandalism.

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Sanwo-Olu declared a manhunt for those responsible for the vandalism and warned individuals involved in buying and selling stolen public infrastructure materials that the government would pursue them.

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The Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, which was constructed by the Federal Housing Authority, is a crucial route for motorists and pedestrians, linking the Ojo axis with Festac Town.

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A resident had drawn attention to the alleged damage to the bridge in a viral video, accusing scavengers of removing iron rods from the bridge pillars and warning that continued excavation could compromise the structure.

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The resident stated that the bridge was constructed to link Alakija to Festac, but scavengers had started removing iron from the pillars that support the bridge.

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Sanwo-Olu reacted to the incident, stating that the land and abutment of the bridge were under the control of the FHA, and the main structure remained intact despite the vandalism.

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According to Sanwo-Olu, vandals had removed some fittings used to secure the facility, but the preliminary assessment did not indicate any compromise to the structural integrity of the bridge, which he described as "unacceptable" and vowed to go after those responsible.

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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.

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The suspects pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently convicted and sentenced to two months imprisonment each by the court.

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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, and the conviction would serve as a warning to others involved in the vandalisation of public infrastructure.

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Cole added that KAI would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to protect government property across the state.