Outrage as suspected vandal targets Southern Ijaw’s historic bridge

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By Samuel Oyadongha

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YENAGOA — Traditional rulers and youth leaders in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have inspected the newly completed Angiama-Oporoma Bridge following reports of alleged vandalism, pledging to safeguard the landmark infrastructure.

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The inspection team included the Ibenanaowei of Bomo Clan, HRM King Joshua Igbugburu; the Paramount Ruler of Eniwari Community, HRH Darius David Job; Deputy Highness HRH Noah Biobele Sokari; and the President of the Southern Ijaw Federated Youth Council, Comrade Woko Pakapiri, among others.

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The visit followed reports that a suspect, identified by the police as Tarila, allegedly vandalised part of the newly completed bridge.

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Speaking during the inspection, Pakapiri described the bridge as a long-awaited project that holds significant importance for the people of Southern Ijaw.

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“The Angiama-Oporoma Bridge represents the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of our people. Any attempt to damage this achievement is unacceptable,” he said.

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He urged residents, particularly youths, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, to remain vigilant and work with security agencies to protect public infrastructure.

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According to him, safeguarding government projects is a collective responsibility and essential to ensuring that communities continue to benefit from public investments.

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The 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge links Angiama with Oporoma, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

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The project, which had been proposed for several decades, was awarded by the Bayelsa State Government and executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). It was flagged off in 2022 and has since been completed.

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Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Musa Muhammad, said a suspect had been arrested.

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“The suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department. He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

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