Thieves damage Lagos bridge pillars for iron rods

Some unknown thieves have reportedly damaged the pillars of the bridge that connects Alakija and FESTAC in Lagos State. They broke the concrete to take out the iron rods inside.

A video shared on social media and seen by City Round on Friday showed police officers clearing out shanties built under the bridge by suspected thieves.

In the viral video, a man who did not give his name said many of the bridge's concrete pillars were damaged, with the iron rods taken out. He urged the government to step in quickly to stop more damage.

"This is the bridge that links Alakija and FESTAC. These thieves have started taking the iron rods from the pillars that hold the bridge. They have been doing this to all the pillars supporting the bridge.

"They broke the concrete and started taking the iron rods. This is worrying. How can thieves be doing this in Lagos? This bridge was built by the Federal Housing Authority about five years ago, and look at what it has become. If this continues for another two years, think about what will happen to the bridge. I mean, it is at risk of collapsing," the man said.

In response, the Lagos State Government said it arrested 27 suspected criminals linked to the vandalism.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, shared this information in a statement on Friday. He said the arrests followed the discovery of what he called a "disturbing act of vandalism" under the bridge.

Wahab explained that investigations showed the suspects allegedly took out iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other parts that are important for the bridge's safety.

He said, "Investigations showed that suspected criminals had deliberately damaged important structural parts of the bridge by taking out iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables, and other materials needed for the safety of the infrastructure."

Wahab warned that damaging the bridge's parts could create a serious safety risk. He added that the suspects "will face prosecution according to the laws of Lagos State."