The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a stern condemnation of the vandalism of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
The minister labelled such an act as a 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.
Despite the presence of private security personnel deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works, the perpetrators 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 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.
“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.
