The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has condemned the vandalisation of the superstructure of the Second Niger Bridge.

Mr Umahi, in a statement signed by Orji Uchenna, his media aide, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the act was cruel and cowardly.

“The ministry condemns, in the strongest terms, this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure,” said Mr Umahi.

The minister expressed deep shock that reports of the vandalisation were still being recorded despite the presence of the private security outfit deployed by the ministry to man the area.

“It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalysis Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.

“The Second Niger Bridge, which was handed over by the Renewed Hope administration on December 12, 2023, after its completion, is one of the projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure.

“It will boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor,” he said.

Mr Umahi appreciated the public for their zeal and concerns by raising the alarm that trended widely on media platforms on the act.

He assured the public that a more formidable security architecture was being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities.

The minister added that a technical team has also been directed to inspect, evaluate and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.

He urged all road users, residents and authorities within the bridge to help keep watch against persons who vandalise or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project.

The minister urged them to arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station or call the ministry’s hotlines.

(NAN).