LAGOS — Concerns over the safety of critical public infrastructure in Lagos have resurfaced following the alleged vandalisation of another bridge around Mile 12, where a section of the concrete protection covering an overhead bridge was reportedly excavated to expose reinforced iron rods.

The latest incident occurred shortly after residents raised the alarm over the alleged vandalisation of the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, where suspected scavengers were accused of breaking through the concrete covering of bridge pillars to remove iron reinforcements.

A viral video of the Mile 12 incident reportedly showed a suspected vandal being caught in the act by residents, who expressed concern over the growing targeting of bridges and other public infrastructure for their iron components.

The residents called on relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further damage, warning that continued vandalism could weaken public infrastructure and potentially endanger road users.

They also urged the government to strengthen security and surveillance around bridges and other critical public assets across Lagos to curb the activities of vandals and scavengers.

The Mile 12 incident came as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday inspected the vandalised section of the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge and sought to reassure residents and motorists about its structural safety.

Sanwo-Olu conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected bridge pillar at Vin-Niger, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, and said preliminary findings indicated that the bridge remained structurally sound and safe for use.

The governor, however, ordered a manhunt for those responsible for the vandalism and warned individuals involved in the purchase or sale of stolen public infrastructure materials that they would also be pursued.

The Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, constructed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), connects the Ojo axis with Festac Town and serves as an important route for motorists and pedestrians.

The governor’s inspection followed a video that circulated on social media over the weekend, in which a resident alerted authorities to the alleged damage to the bridge.

The resident accused scavengers of breaking through the concrete covering of the bridge pillars and extracting the iron rods inside, warning that continued excavation could compromise the structure.

“This is the bridge that was constructed all the way from Alakija to link inside Festac. These scavengers have started removing iron from the pillars that support the bridge,” the resident said.

Reacting to the incident, Sanwo-Olu said the land and abutment of the bridge remained under the control of the FHA, while stressing that the main structure had not been compromised despite the vandalism.

According to him, the vandals had excavated parts of the structure and removed some fittings used to secure the facility, but a preliminary assessment showed no indication that the structural integrity of the bridge had been affected.

The governor described the incident as “unacceptable” and vowed to pursue those responsible, including individuals who facilitate the illegal trade by purchasing stolen materials from public infrastructure.

Meanwhile, 30 suspected vandals were arraigned before a Mobile Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos, over the alleged vandalisation and removal of iron rods supporting the Alakija-Festac Link Bridge, Trade Fair, Orile and Abule Ado bridges.

The suspects pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently convicted and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment each.

Reacting to the convictions, the Corps Marshal of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Major Olawale Cole (retd.), said the agency remained committed to ridding Lagos State of criminal elements through sustained enforcement.

Cole said the convictions should serve as a deterrent to others involved in the vandalisation of public infrastructure.

He added that KAI would continue to work with relevant government agencies to protect public property across the state.