Infrastructure terrorism: How scavengers wreak havoc on public facilities

Residents of Lagos are witnessing a disturbing trend of "infrastructure terrorism" as scavengers systematically dismantle public facilities for scrap metal. In a recent incident captured on CCTV, two scavengers swiftly removed six sets of gutter guards in just 90 seconds from an upscale estate. The guards covered a drainage and served as a makeshift bridge.

One resident, Nnamdi Alozie, discovered the theft when his car plunged into the uncovered gutter the next morning. He estimated the repair costs at over half a million naira. This act of vandalism highlights the brazenness with which these scavengers operate, often under the cover of darkness.

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I couldn’t have imagined that someone would remove the gutter guards in front of a house.

The problem has escalated to critical public infrastructure, with recent footage showing scavengers vandalizing the Alakija-Festac link bridge. They were seen removing iron reinforcements from the bridge's pillars and digging into the laterite piling beneath it, creating hollow spaces for shelter. This destructive behavior raises serious questions about ignorance, desperation, or sheer malice.

Authorities are now grappling with how to address this menace. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has personally inspected the damaged bridge, signaling a potential increase in efforts to curb this destructive activity. The long-term consequences of such widespread vandalism could be severe, impacting safety, functionality, and the overall urban landscape of Lagos.

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The scavengers dug into the laterite piling to create a hollow space under the bridge as a place of abode with a tarpaulin covering for doors.