Minister of Works, David Umahi, has strongly condemned the vandalism of the 2nd Niger Bridge, in what he described as and act of cowardly attack on the nation’s progress.
The incident, which involved the destruction of expansion joints crucial for the bridge’s structural integrity, has sparked outrage across the country.
More worrisome is the fact that, despite the presence of private security personnel deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works, the perpetrators still managed to carry out their destructive mission.
Expressing deep concern, Umahi highlighted the significance of the 2nd Niger Bridge in fostering socio-economic development and enhancing connectivity between states.
These were contained in a Tuesday statement from the minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, titled “Vandalization of Structures on the 2nd Niger Bridge: Ruthless and Cowardly Sabotage.”
“The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr. Dr Nweze David Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, CON, receives 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 expressed 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.
“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,” it partly read.Completed under the PIDF projects, the bridge stands as a testament to Nigeria’s aspirations for infrastructure development and economic growth, the statement read.
But it is heartbreaking that the facilities are being vandalised by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves,” the statement added.
Following the alarming incident, the Ministry has pledged to reinforce security measures to prevent further acts of vandalism.
A technical team has been tasked with assessing the damage and initiating repairs to restore the bridge to its operational state.
It further read, “Umahi 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.
