Security agencies have apprehended some individuals suspected of vandalizing sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja.
Efforts are also underway to track down their accomplices, particularly buyers of the stolen covers, as authorities intensify their crackdown on the menace.
According to the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, the development followed a directive from Nyesom Wike, to relevant stakeholders to take decisive action against the culprits.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, describing the act as a grave threat to public safety and an affront to national resources.
Expressing his dismay, Wike condemned the actions of individuals who remove manhole covers—critical for road safety—and sell them for personal gain.
He highlighted the irony of using public funds to provide essential infrastructure, only for some Nigerians to vandalize and profit from these amenities, disregarding the risks posed to other citizens.
The Minister also commended a concerned citizen whose viral video exposed the criminal activity, describing the act as a commendable display of patriotism.
“This is the kind of proactive citizenship we need to combat such acts of sabotage,” he stated.
The FCT administration has assured the public that it will not relent until all perpetrators and their collaborators are brought to justice.