The Federal Government’s newly deployed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring system has led to the arrest of three suspected vandals caught in real time while damaging public infrastructure on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
According to a report by NTANetwork (@NTANewsNow), the suspects were apprehended while attempting to remove cat-eye reflective lights installed on the bridge.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known during the parade of the arrested suspects, urging Nigerians to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure its protection.
Umahi said the 156 cat-eye reflective lights targeted by the suspects were installed to enhance road safety and aesthetics on the bridge.
“These installations are meant to improve visibility and beautify our roads. It is disturbing that some individuals will deliberately destroy what is meant for the common good,” the minister said.
A report by Lanre Gbeleyi disclosed that the three suspects were caught prying open the reflective lights in real time by officials monitoring the CCTV system. The vandals, who claimed to be scavengers popularly known as “Bola,” reportedly failed to provide coherent answers when questioned about their actions.
While commending the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt response and diligence, Umahi expressed concern over what he described as the indifferent attitude of some Nigerians toward public assets.
“I appreciate the police for their professionalism, but I am deeply uncomfortable with the level of disregard some citizens show towards public infrastructure,” he said.
The minister also condemned what he called the “appalling indiscipline” displayed by some road users on a temporarily opened section of the coastal highway, noting that such behaviour had recently resulted in the death of a construction worker.
“That unfortunate loss of life was completely avoidable. Nigerians must learn to respect traffic rules and construction zones,” Umahi stated.
He directed the State Controller of Works to ensure that the arrested vandals are prosecuted in accordance with the law and warned would-be offenders to desist from such acts.
“The eagle eye on the Third Mainland Bridge is active and ready to thwart any nefarious activities,” the minister warned.
