Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Following a wave of public outrage over the reported vandalism of the First Niger Bridge, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, is on his way to the site to assess the damage and halt the ongoing destruction. Reports of vandals removing nuts, bolts and iron plates from the bridge have sparked widespread concern, with residents and commuters raising alarm over the safety of the 1965 structure that connects Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State.
The First Niger Bridge is a vital artery for millions of Nigerians, linking the Southeast to the Southwest. The theft of its structural components threatens the integrity of a bridge that carries thousands of people, vehicles and businesses every day. Viral videos circulating on social media have shown the extent of the damage, with several railings and bolts allegedly removed by vandals.
This incident is not isolated. The Minister of Works has previously condemned such acts as sabotage and has warned that vandals have been targeting expansion joints, steel reinforcements and other critical components of major bridges across the country. In February, Umahi revealed that security agencies had apprehended individuals who removed vital components from the Cumberland Bridge, underscoring a pattern of systematic theft of public infrastructure.
The public outcry has intensified as the federal government has invested heavily in the new Second Niger Bridge, but the old bridge remains heavily used and requires urgent maintenance. Calls for immediate action to secure the bridge's structural integrity have grown louder. The Minister's intervention is aimed at putting an immediate stop to the vandalisation, securing the structure and protecting this critical national asset.
The situation has also raised broader questions about the security of critical infrastructure. Experts argue that every major bridge should have a dedicated security and surveillance plan, including CCTV and regular physical inspections. There are also calls to attack the market that makes vandalism profitable, with scrap-metal dealers and recycling businesses facing stricter traceability requirements.
As Engr. Umahi makes his way to the site, the hope is that his visit will lead to immediate action to secure the bridge and prevent further damage. The Minister's prompt response has been praised, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Nigeria's critical infrastructure.
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