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As Task Force Apprehend another Suspect Vandalising Concrete Barriers
- Safiu Kehinde
“Lagos will not tolerate any act of vandalism because it is barbaric and criminal,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that officials from the Office of Infrastructure inspected the bridge after the incident and assessed its condition.
He noted that the inspection confirmed that the bridge remained structurally sound despite the damage caused by the vandals.
“I have been informed by officials of the Office of Infrastructure who visited the bridge that the structural integrity of the bridge is intact,” he said.
The governor added that immediate remedial measures would be undertaken to safeguard the affected bridge columns and prevent further deterioration.
“Remedial work will be executed immediately to protect the columns,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He warned that anyone linked to the vandalism would face legal consequences, describing the act as shameful, condemnable and unacceptable.
“Anyone who is found to be culpable in this horrendous, shameful and condemnable incident will surely face the law,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos had no room for violence or attacks targeting public infrastructure and other government facilities.
“Lagos has no place for such barbarism and acts of violence against our critical infrastructure and other facilities,” he said.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and monitor public assets within their communities to help prevent vandalism.
He also called on citizens to promptly report suspicious movements or activities around public infrastructure to relevant security agencies.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Lagos residents.
Prior to Sanwo-Olu’s reaction, the Lagos State taskforce had under the directive of the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stormed the bridge, arresting 27 suspected hoodlums residing under the bridge.
Wahab, in a statement issued on his official X handle, alleged that suspected hoodlums removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials from the bridge.
He said the vandalism endangered public safety and undermined government investment in critical infrastructure across the state.
Wahab said the discovery prompted a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force.
He said the operation resulted in the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums at the location.
According to Wahab, the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.
Meanwhile, the commissioner would in a separate statement issued on Saturday disclose the arrest of another suspect allegedly caught vandalising the concrete barrier along the Ikorodu Road.
The suspect was reportedly arrested at Kosofe Bust Stop during monitoring and enforcement operations at the Mile 12 axis of the Ikorodu Road yesterday.
According to Wahab, the suspect was arrested while removing the iron rods, cables, and steel reinforcements from the concrete barrier.
‘During monitoring and enforcement operations yesterday, our team apprehended a suspect at Kosofe Bus Stop, Mile 12, along the Ikorodu Road, for vandalising a concrete barrier installed to prevent pedestrians from crossing the expressway at unauthorised points.
‘The suspect was found deliberately removing iron rods, cables, steel reinforcements, and other critical structural components that contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the concrete barrier.’ Wahab wrote.
While being interrogated in a video attached to the statement, the suspect claimed to be scavenging dirt.
‘I dey park dirty. Na from Ketu na me dey park dirty.’ He said before being interjected by one of the officials who challenged and accused him of being responsible for the vandalism.
‘You dey park dirty, you dey break this wall abi. You dey break the wall you say you dey park dirty.’ The official said.
Meanwhile, Wahab said the suspect has been arrested and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner maintained that the enforcement action underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all road users and residents.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure from vandalism and other criminal activities.
Wahab added that authorities would sustain enforcement against environmental violations and other offences threatening residents’ safety and wellbeing