The Delta State Government has strongly condemned the vandalism of sections of the newly reconstructed Old Okpanam Road, after some residents reportedly dug into the fresh asphalt to mount canopies for a social event.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, expressed the government’s outrage on Saturday during an on-site inspection ordered by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The Commissioner visited the scene in the company of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Okpanam Division and other government officials.
According to Izeze, the inspection followed a viral video sent through Governor Oborevwori’s whistleblower line, showing individuals dragging canopies and digging into the newly laid road surface. The road had only recently been rehabilitated and commissioned by the state government.
“This visit is at the directive of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” Izeze explained. “Concerned citizens alerted him with a video of people digging into a road that was just resurfaced and commissioned. Such behaviour is unacceptable.”
He noted that the local government chairman had already been informed, with initial arrests made. However, the suspects were later granted bail, prompting the state to undertake a physical assessment to determine the level of damage and identify all those involved.
Izeze warned that those found responsible would face strict legal consequences.
“I have always maintained that anyone who destroys government property will face the full weight of the law,” he said. “We cannot allow society to descend into a Hobbesian state of nature. Law and order must prevail. The culprits will be prosecuted.”
He assured that a comprehensive report would be presented to the governor, emphasizing that the administration would not tolerate actions that undermine public infrastructure.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Commissioner said the punishment meted out to offenders in this case would serve as the strongest deterrent.
“The best advice to anyone is to observe what becomes of those who violate these standards,” he said. “I urge you, as members of the press, to follow this process closely and report the outcome.”
The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public assets and called on communities to take responsibility for protecting infrastructure provided for their collective benefit.
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