Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of public infrastructure in Lagos following the alleged vandalisation of another bridge around Mile 12, where part of the concrete protection was reportedly excavated to expose reinforced iron rods.
The incident, captured in a viral video, allegedly showed a suspected scavenger being caught by residents, who called for urgent government intervention and increased surveillance around bridges across the state.
The development came shortly after similar vandalism was reported at the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, where suspected scavengers allegedly broke through the concrete covering of bridge pillars to remove iron reinforcements.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had inspected the affected Alakija-Festac bridge and assured motorists and residents that preliminary assessments showed the structure remained safe despite the damage.
Sanwo-Olu described the vandalism as unacceptable and ordered a manhunt for those responsible. He also warned individuals involved in buying or selling stolen public infrastructure materials that they would be prosecuted.
The governor explained that while some fittings had been removed, the main structure of the bridge remained intact and there was no immediate indication that its structural integrity had been compromised.
Meanwhile, 30 suspected vandals were arraigned before a Mobile Magistrate Court in Bolade, Oshodi, for allegedly removing iron rods from the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, Trade Fair, Orile and Abule Ado bridges.
The suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced to two months’ imprisonment each.
The Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Major Olawale Cole (retd.), said the convictions should serve as a warning to others, stressing that the agency would continue working with relevant authorities to protect public infrastructure across Lagos.
