Lagos arrests 27 suspected hoodlums for vandalising FESTAC bridge

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.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the suspects were arrested during a joint midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, task force.

The operation followed the discovery of vandalism beneath the bridge during an enforcement exercise carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, as well as other forms of infractions.

According to the government, investigations showed that the suspected hoodlums deliberately removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other structural materials essential to the integrity of the bridge.

It described the act as a serious threat to public safety and said it also undermines the government’s 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 said.  

The government said the 27 suspects would be prosecuted in line with the extant laws of Lagos State.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public infrastructure, adding that it would continue to take decisive action against individuals and groups involved in vandalism, environmental infractions and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents.