Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising a newly constructed bridge connecting Festac Town to Alakija.
The arrests were made during a joint midnight enforcement operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad and the Kick Against Indiscipline task force, according to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, saying authorities uncovered extensive damage beneath the bridge during investigations.
He said, “Investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had deliberately vandalised critical structural components of the bridge by removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure.”
According to the commissioner, the removal of key materials from the structure poses a significant safety risk and threatens the durability of the bridge.
“This criminal act poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure,” he said.
Wahab stated that the 27 suspects would face prosecution in line with the laws of Lagos State.
He added, “The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State.”
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and preventing acts of vandalism across the state.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting public infrastructure and will continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups engaged in acts of vandalism, environmental infractions, and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents,” he stated.
