Bayelsa Must Wage Total War Against Vandals Of Public Infrastructure --- Ikuli

Bayelsa State Government has called  for a total crackdown on criminals vandalising public infrastructure, describing such acts as a direct attack on the state's development and the collective welfare of its people.

The call was made by Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Media and Public Affairs, following the reported vandalism of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge and the arrest of one of the suspected culprits by members of the Angiama Community.

Reacting to a video showing the damaged bridge and the apprehended suspect, Ikuli expressed deep sadness over the incident, stressing that the destruction of critical public infrastructure was unacceptable.

He recalled that communities along the Angiama-Oporoma-Otuan axis in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area endured decades of isolation due to the absence of a road network, forcing residents to rely on expensive and often unsafe river transportation while grappling with sea piracy and other challenges.

According to him, the Angiama-Oporoma-Otuan Road project, first conceived in the 1960s, remained unrealised for decades because of its enormous financial implications until the administration of Governor Douye Diri undertook and completed it.

Ikuli noted that the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge remains the longest bridge constructed by any state government in the Niger Delta, adding that the project has significantly transformed socio-economic activities in the area.

He said the completion of the road and bridge has drastically reduced transportation costs, improved security by curbing sea piracy, enhanced human and commercial movement, and boosted economic opportunities for farmers, fishermen and traders.

Describing the vandalism of components of the bridge as "sad, sickening and senseless," Ikuli lamented that criminals often destroy infrastructure worth billions of naira only to sell valuable components for insignificant amounts to fund drug abuse and other illicit activities.

He urged the government to ensure the diligent prosecution of the suspects already arrested and called for stiffer penalties against vandals. He also advocated the enactment of stronger anti-vandalism laws and the establishment of a specialised state task force, with coordinators across all local government areas, to monitor and protect public assets.

The governor's aide further noted that government invests huge sums in providing critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, electricity facilities and solar-powered streetlights, stressing that such investments must be protected for the benefit of all citizens.

Ikuli maintained that individuals who deliberately vandalise public infrastructure should be treated as enemies of the state and made to face severe sanctions that would serve as a deterrent to others.

He also commended the leadership and people of Angiama Community for apprehending the suspected vandals instead of shielding them from justice.

According to him, criminals responsible for vandalising public property often live within the communities where such offences are committed, making it imperative for residents to actively support efforts to protect government projects.

Ikuli called on other communities across Bayelsa State to emulate the example set by Angiama Community, stressing that safeguarding public infrastructure remains a collective responsibility.