The Nigerian Presidency has condemned the destruction of ongoing federal road projects, reacting sharply to a viral video showing suspected vandals cutting and removing construction materials on the Ibadan, Ilesa/Ife federal highway.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the remarks on X on Sunday while responding to footage that captured individuals allegedly tampering with newly installed starter bars and shoulder rods at the construction site.
The video had sparked public outrage, with concerns that such acts could undermine critical infrastructure development.
Reacting to the footage, Onanuga issued a strongly worded response, accusing the perpetrators of deliberately sabotaging government efforts to improve road infrastructure.
“Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are the worst specie of citizenships,” he said.
Earlier, Onanuga described the incident, describing it as “pure wickedness,” lamenting that while the Federal Government was investing resources in delivering durable roads, some individuals were actively destroying the projects for selfish gain.
Moreover, the incident has renewed debate around the persistent challenge of infrastructure vandalism across the country, particularly on major highways undergoing rehabilitation.
Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that such actions not only inflate project costs but also delay completion timelines and endanger road users.
However, the latest reaction from the Presidency underscores growing frustration within government circles over repeated attacks on public assets, especially at a time when road construction is central to improving connectivity and boosting economic activity.
The Ibadan–Ilesa/Ife highway is among the key federal routes currently under reconstruction, aimed at easing traffic flow and enhancing safety for commuters across the South-West corridor.