Chinedum Treasure
Police in Anambra State has expressed dismay over recent vandalism of the expansion joints on the recently inaugurated 2nd Niger Bridge by yet-to-be identified hoodlums.
Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, while reacting to a viral video by patriotic young man who raised the desired alarm, said the CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered an immediate investigation over the ugly incident
He said the Command has directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area to investigate the matter to ascertain the true development.
He called on the public to remain calm while investigation continued.
“The Command is aware of the video and has directed the DPO covering the area to investigate. This is to ascertain the true development there and how to go about it.
“Please let’s be calm.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has described the vandaliu as a cruel sabotage of a national asset, regretting that the bridge was being vandalised by those it was also serving.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in a statement by his special adviser on Media,
Uchenna Orji enjoined persons living close to major bridges to help protect them against vandals.
He also announced that whistle-blowers would be rewarded while a formidable security arrangement would be deployed to watch over major highways and bridges.
The statement by Orji reads:’’The Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi is in receipt of a report on the activities of vandals on the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge, particularly the cruel and cowardly incident of destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
“He expresses deep shock that reports of vandalism are still being recorded despite the presence of the private security outfit deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works to man the area.
“The minister condemns in the strongest terms this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation.
“It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalyses Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.
“The minister notes that the 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on 12th December 2023, after its completion, is one of the PIDF (Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund) projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure yearnings of the people of the area and boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor.
“But it is heart-rending that the facilities are being vandalised by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves.”
“The minister appreciates the public for the zeal of their concerns, particularly the patriotic young Nigerian who raised the desired alarm that trended widely in media platforms, and he assures the public that a more formidable security architecture is being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities, while a technical team has been directed to inspect, evaluate and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.”
About Author
