Attackers of BRT bus will face the law, Sanwo-Olu vows

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has condemned the attack on a State- regulated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus by hoodlums who robbed passengers of their belongings, vowing that those involved in the act, which he described as disturbing, would be made to face the law.

It would be recalled that last week, a BRT bus with the identification number 240216, traveling from Mile 2 Terminal to Lagos Island, was attacked by suspected hoodlums in broad daylight around Alaba Suru, where occupants were robbed of their belongings.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, was quoting Mr. Governor on Tuesday during an X Space discussion on the topic, “Vandalism of Public Facilities: The Role of Residents and Government.”

Omotoso made this known on “Ask Lagos,” a programme on which the Commissioner engages people on matters of interest to Lagosians.

The commissioner disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed the security agents in the state to after the culprits, pointing out that people must know that such actions would have consequences,

“It is disturbing. Security agents are going after them. They will be made to face the law. People must know that such actions will have consequences”, Omotoso quoted Governor Sanwo-Olu.

“The recent attack on a BRT bus in broad daylight by miscreants further highlights the severity of the issue. Passengers were robbed. Governor Sanwo-Olu directed security agencies to hunt down those responsible so that they can face the law,” the commissioner stressed.

He pointed out that “for every crime, there must be consequences,” assuring Lagosians that the government would ensure that the culprits would be made to face justice.

The commissioner emphasised that vandalism is not part of the culture of Lagos or Nigeria, attributing such acts to “pure criminality,” even as he listed various instances of vandalism that happened in the state.

According to him, such include removal of electric poles, the destruction of concrete to extract iron rods, and the theft of manhole covers, which he said were then sold to individuals or companies with similar criminal intentions.

He expressed disappointment with the disregard for public property, adding: “These facilities are put in place for our comfort, and those who destroy them are agents of discomfort.”

Omotoso urged Lagosians to take ownership of public facilities and remain vigilant and further urged residents to report suspicious activities, emphasising that Lagos, as a hub attracting thousands of people daily, must ensure that everyone, while welcome, must exhibit good behaviour.

Responding to a question from one of the participants on if there were laws under which suspected vandals could be tried, Omotoso said Section 339 of the Lagos State Criminal Code deals with such matters, noting that penalties for vandalism include fines and imprisonment.

However, Omotoso lamented that many incidents go unreported, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that offenders feel the full weight of the law.

He emphasized that communities must not keep quiet, but should continue raising their voices against vandalism.

Another participant, Mr. Nelson Ekujimi, highlighted the lack of value for public property, citing the removal of streetlights from Iyana-Ipaja Roundabout.

He suggested the introduction of a reward mechanism for whistleblowers, an idea that Omotoso supported, suggesting public recognition by Governor Sanwo-Olu as a possible incentive.

When asked about amending the Lagos Criminal Law to include the death penalty for vandalism, Omotoso explained that such penalties were reserved for severe crimes, such as murder and armed robbery.

He expressed his belief that while harsher penalties might not deter all criminals, a united stand by the community against vandalism could be more effective.

The commissioner also emphasised the role of schools, religious organizations, and youth groups in combating vandalism, stressing that communal efforts were essential.

This was just as highlighted the state government’s investment in youth centres and the ongoing construction of eight mini-stadia across the state to provide youths with constructive outlets for their energy.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting public property and ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and welcoming city for all.

“We will continue to keep the State safe for residents and visitors. We must maintain decency and stress the fact that Lagos, our Lagos will not condone criminality in any form,” Omotoso said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE