Experts decry vandalism of public facilities

Vandalism of public facilities is a matter of great concern as it poses a significant threat to societal development, aesthetics, and overall well-being. This destructive behavior has a considerable financial impact on both governments and taxpayers, necessitating repairs to damaged properties that could otherwise have been allocated to essential sectors like education and healthcare.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting, vandalism is the willful or malicious destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any property, public or private, without the consent of the owner or custodian. Acts encompassing cutting, tearing, breaking, marking, painting, or covering with filth, as well as attempts to commit such acts, are included.

In Nigeria, this encompasses destroying streetlights, school furniture, public toilets, defacing walls, destroying road signs, and damaging public transportation facilities.

Recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the issue, with suspected vandals targeting streetlight wiring along the Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway. The removal of wires from concrete bases along a stretch from Ilasamaja to the Cele Bus Stop underscores the scale of the destruction. Experts emphasize that public property belongs to everyone, serving to enhance the community's quality of life.

Destroying these facilities demonstrates a lack of responsibility and imposes an unnecessary financial burden on the government, as resources that should be invested in education, healthcare, and other developmental projects must instead be spent on repairs.

Economist and policy expert Vincent Ezeme posits that vandalism constitutes economic sabotage, potentially leading to insecurity, environmental pollution, and inconvenience for citizens. He stresses that such actions hinder national development and deter investment, calling for public awareness, education, and appropriate punishment for offenders.

Nigerian laws criminalize the intentional destruction, removal, or defacement of public property, with penalties ranging from up to 14 years imprisonment without the option of a fine to a term of up to 21 years for damaging vital installations. The founder of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Onwubiko, argues that such acts undermine economic development, disrupt essential services, endanger lives, and impose enormous costs on a nation already facing significant financial challenges.

He urges law enforcement to target organized criminal networks involved in infrastructure theft and hold scrap-metal dealers accountable for knowingly purchasing stolen assets. The Lagos State Governor has vowed to enforce strict penalties against those responsible for recent vandalism, emphasizing that such barbaric acts have no place in the city.

The state House of Assembly has also called for enhanced security measures and tougher prosecution of vandals, urging the government to equip and train local security forces to improve surveillance and prevent further acts of destruction.