Residents across Lagos have raised concerns over the growing vandalism of public infrastructure by scavengers, warning that the activities could endanger lives and property.

The concern intensified after the Alakija-Festac link bridge was reportedly vandalised, with scavengers accused of breaking the concrete covering of the bridge’s pillars to remove the iron reinforcement inside. The damage has raised fears about the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.

Residents also alleged that some scavengers dug into the laterite piling beneath the bridge, creating hollow spaces that were reportedly used as shelters. They called for urgent intervention to prevent further damage to the structure.

Following the circulation of a video showing the vandalism, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inspected the bridge and ordered efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the damage.

A similar incident was later reported at another bridge around Mile 12, where residents caught a suspected vandal in the act. They urged authorities to strengthen security and surveillance around public infrastructure across the state.

The report also noted that scavenger activities have become a wider concern in Lagos, with authorities previously raiding a scavengers’ enclave along the LASU-Iba Expressway, where drugs and dangerous weapons were reportedly recovered and arrests made.

Residents and authorities are now facing renewed pressure to curb infrastructure vandalism and ensure that public facilities are adequately protected.