27 suspects arrested over alleged Alakija bridge vandalism

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government on Friday said it had arrested 27 suspected vandals for allegedly vandalising critical structural components of the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.

The arrests followed a midnight enforcement operation by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway.

The operation was conducted as part of efforts to curb vandalism, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks and other infractions along the highway corridor.

Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, said the suspects were found beneath the bridge, where they allegedly removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other materials essential to the structure’s integrity.

Wahab said the alleged vandalism posed a serious threat to public safety and could undermine the government’s investment in the infrastructure.

He added that the operation was carried out in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to enforce compliance along the Lagos-Badagry corridor and protect highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways from illegal activities.

The commissioner said the 27 suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the applicable laws of Lagos State, adding that the government would continue to take decisive action against those involved in vandalism and other activities that endanger residents.

Wahab reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and maintaining safety along the corridor, warning that individuals and groups involved in vandalism and environmental violations would face the consequences of their actions.