The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the Police and other security agencies to track down and prosecute those responsible for the vandalisation of the Festac-Alakija bridge, warning that the state government will not tolerate attacks on critical public infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu described the incident as “barbaric and criminal” and ordered security agencies to identify those behind the act immediately and bring them to justice.
The Governor’s directive through a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, yesterday, came after officials of the Lagos State Office of Infrastructure inspected the bridge following reports of vandalism.
He said the inspection established that the structural integrity of the bridge remained intact, while immediate remedial work would be undertaken to protect the affected columns and prevent further damage.
“Lagos will not tolerate any act of vandalism because it is barbaric and criminal,” the Governor said.
He added that he had been briefed by officials of the Office of Infrastructure who visited the bridge that its structural integrity was intact, disclosing that remedial work will be executed immediately to protect the columns.
“Anyone who is found to be culpable in this horrendous, shameful and condemnable incident will surely face the law,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The incident has renewed concerns over the protection of major public infrastructure in Lagos, where bridges, roads, power installations and other public facilities remain vital to the movement of people and goods across the metropolis.
Sanwo-Olu said the State had no place for acts of vandalism and violence directed at critical infrastructure, stressing that public assets must be protected as part of the collective responsibility of government and residents.
“Lagos has no place for such barbarism and acts of violence against our critical infrastructure and other facilities,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.
The Governor’s directive is expected to trigger increased security attention around the Festac-Alakija Bridge as the authorities move to identify those responsible for the vandalism.
The Lagos State Government also assured residents that the necessary remedial measures would be carried out promptly to protect the bridge and ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to take greater ownership of public facilities and help security agencies prevent further attacks.
“Lagosians are enjoined to keep an eye on public facilities to protect them against senseless attacks,” the Governor said.