Hoodlums vandalised critical components of new Festac Town-Alakija link bridge – Lagos Commissioner

The Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums after critical structural components of the newly constructed Festac Town-Alakija link bridge were “deliberately” vandalised.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab disclosed this in an X post on Friday.

Wahab said enforcement officers discovered the damage during operations along the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway, carried out on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the corridor of infractions, illegal motor parks, roadside trading and environmental pollution.

According to the commissioner, investigations revealed that suspected hoodlums had removed iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the bridge.

He said, “In line with the directive of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to rid the Lagos-Badagry Transnational Highway of all forms of infractions, environmental pollution, illegal motor parks, roadside trading, and market displays on highway setbacks and pedestrian walkways, enforcement operations uncovered a disturbing act of vandalism beneath the newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija.

“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.”

He described the act as a criminal one that “poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines the government’s investment in critical infrastructure.”

Following the discovery, Wahab said a joint midnight enforcement operation involving officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force was conducted at the location.

“The operation led to the arrest of 27 suspected hoodlums, who will be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State,” he stated.

The commissioner said the 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.”