The Delta State Government has condemned the vandalisation of the newly reconstructed Okpanam Road by residents who destroyed sections of the asphalt to mount canopies for a social event.
State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, expressed the government’s displeasure on Saturday during an inspection visit to the site on the directive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He was accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Okpanam Division and other officials.
Izeze said the visit followed a viral video circulated by concerned residents through the Governor’s whistleblower line, showing individuals dragging canopies across the freshly resurfaced road in preparation for a party.
The road was recently rehabilitated and commissioned by the Oborevwori administration. “This visit is necessitated by the directive of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor himself,” the Commissioner said.
“Concerned citizens from this community brought to his attention what was being done to a road that was only recently commissioned and resurfaced.
A citizen sent out a video recording of when they were digging into the asphalt part of the road.”
He disclosed that the local council chairman had been alerted and that some arrests were initially made. However, the suspects were later released on bail, prompting the government’s decision to physically assess the extent of damage and identify those responsible.
Izeze warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“I have always insisted that those who damage government property will face the bare consequences of the law,” he stated.
“We cannot degenerate back to an *Hobesian* state of nature. Law and order governs society, especially modern societies like ours. Whoever the culprits are, they will be prosecuted according to the provisions of the law.”
He assured that a full report would be submitted to Governor Oborevwori, adding that the administration would not tolerate acts capable of undermining public infrastructure.
When asked for his advice to others, the Commissioner said the greatest deterrent would be the outcome of the current case.
“The best advice and deterrent is for people to see what happens to the culprits,” he said. “I advise you, as members of the fourth estate of the realm, to follow through this process and report what happens to the violators at the end of the day.”
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting public assets and urged communities to safeguard infrastructure provided for their own benefit.
