‘Shoot them at sight’ – Onanuga proffers solution to vandalisation of public assets
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has advocated for severe measures against individuals caught vandalizing public infrastructure, particularly on federal highways. His comments come in response to a video posted on X by user Salanwu Omoiyaonipako, which depicted vandals removing essential construction materials—specifically starter bars and shoulder rods—from the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife Federal Highway reconstruction site. Omoiyaonipako expressed his frustration with the destruction of government efforts to improve road conditions, labeling the actions of these vandals as “pure wickedness.”
In his reaction, Onanuga characterized these offenders as “unconscionable” and described them as “the worst species of citizenship,” calling for immediate and extreme punitive measures—specifically suggesting that such criminals should be shot on sight. His strong rhetoric underscores a broader concern about the implications of vandalism not only for road construction but for public safety and welfare at large.
The issue of vandalism in Nigeria extends beyond highways, affecting vital infrastructure such as oil pipelines, railway tracks, and electrical installations. Such actions lead to service interruptions, economic losses, and can even result in loss of life. Onanuga’s comments point to a growing frustration among officials regarding the recurrent sabotage of public projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens. The ongoing challenge suggests a need for increased security measures, public awareness campaigns, and potentially stricter legal repercussions to deter further criminal activities against national infrastructure.
The video shared by Omoiyaonipako serves as a stark reminder of the obstacles faced in maintaining and improving public works in Nigeria, highlighting a troubling trend of infrastructure vandalism that undermines governmental initiatives.
