Sanwo-Olu visits vandalised Lagos bridge, reveals how Vandals struck

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday inspected a vandalised bridge pole along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway at Vin-Niger in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, assuring residents that the incident had not compromised the structural integrity of the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu, who carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected section, said the bridge remained structurally sound and that the ongoing work on the facility had not been compromised.

The governor, however, disclosed that vandals had excavated and removed some fittings used to secure the bridge, describing the development as unacceptable and a threat to public infrastructure.

He vowed that the state government would pursue those responsible for the vandalism, including individuals involved in the purchase and sale of stolen public infrastructure materials.

Sanwo-Olu said the government would ensure that those found culpable were brought to justice, irrespective of their status or background.

He described the continued vandalism of public assets as shameful, particularly at a time when the state government was committing substantial resources to infrastructure development and rehabilitation across Lagos.

The governor also raised concerns about the vandalism of infrastructure in Festac Town, citing the destruction of drainage slabs and the removal of iron rods along Second and Seventh Avenues.

He urged residents to play an active role in protecting government infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and individuals to the appropriate authorities.

“When you see something, you should say something. Government is not going to be there 24/7. People should know that they also have a responsibility for themselves and for the government to speak out,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos State Police Command, Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch and members of the Kick Against Indiscipline for their prompt intervention and response to the vandalised section of the bridge.

He explained that the inspection formed part of his administration’s broader efforts to restore order along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor, protect public infrastructure and improve the safety and appearance of the area.

Speaking to residents, traders and commuters during the inspection of Alaba Rago and Orile, the governor said considerable progress had been made in clearing and reorganising the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor.

He stressed that the administration would continue to protect public assets and take measures to ensure the safety of motorists, commuters, traders and other road users.

Sanwo-Olu further assured residents that his administration would sustain its collaboration with security agencies to combat vandalism, maintain law and order and create a safer environment for law-abiding residents across Lagos.

The governor’s inspection comes amid renewed concerns over the theft and destruction of public infrastructure, with the state government seeking greater cooperation from residents to prevent vandals from undermining ongoing development projects.