The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking FESTAC Town to Alakija.
The arrests were made during a joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS and the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI task force, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
The operation followed the discovery of vandalism beneath the bridge during an enforcement exercise aimed at clearing environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials vital to the bridge’s structural integrity.
The state government described the act as a serious threat to public safety and a setback to its investment in critical infrastructure.
“This criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” the statement read.
The government said the 27 suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure, pledging continued action against vandalism, environmental violations and other criminal activities that endanger residents’ safety and wellbeing.
