Security Measures Tightened, Ministry of Works Reacts to Second Niger Bridge Vandalism
The Federal Ministry of Works has taken swift action to address the vandalism of railings and expansion joints at the Second Niger Bridge. Mr. Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, confirmed that the vandalised sections of the bridge were repaired on June 9th, 2024.
However, this response follows a viral video depicting the vandalism of rail fittings and expansion joints on the bridge, raising concerns about public safety. The Minister of Works expressed dismay at the incident, highlighting efforts to deter future vandalism and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.
“Beautiful bounties have been placed on perpetrators and collaborators. The minister enjoins all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the Second Niger Bridge, the two secondary bridges of 21.7m each on the Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State, to help keep watch against persons who vandalise, attempt to vandalise or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project.
“They are to arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station or call our hotlines – 08030986263(SA Media), 08033389700(Controller of Works FMW Anambra State), 08067736638(Controller of Works, FMW Delta State) or 08037056860 (Director Highways, Bridges and Design FMW).
“The Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward any person or group who nabs or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators of vandalism of facilities on the Second Niger Bridge or on any of our road infrastructure facilities nationwide, and shall not only ensure that such perpetrators face the full wrath of the law but shall also wield the long arms of the law on those who buy or patronise such stolen facilities.”
Meanwhile, the Delta State police command has dispatched a team to investigate the vandalised section, underscoring the collaborative effort between authorities to address the issue effectively and uphold public safety and Firm and strict security measures have been implemented on the Second Niger Bridge to enable swift responses to incidents of vandalism.
