The Council of Chiefs of Angiama Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has banished two brothers accused of vandalising the newly inaugurated Angiama-Oporoma Bridge.
The bridge, which spans 630 metres, was inaugurated by President Ahmed Tinubu and serves asuggs a critical road link for communities in Southern Ijaw.
The suspects, identified as Tarila Daniel, 26, and Perezidei Daniel, 30, were allegedly caught removing protective joints from the bridge during the night.
According to community sources, a resident spotted the brothers and alerted the local vigilante group. Tarila was arrested at the scene, while Perezidei escaped and remains at large. The arrested suspect has been handed over to the police for investigation.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, described the alleged vandalism as disturbing, noting that the bridge represents a major milestone for communities that had sought road access for decades.
In a statement issued through his aide, Ayebaitari Easterday, Segibo said the road and bridge project has improved transportation by connecting Oporoma, Otuan and other neighbouring communities.
He urged residents to protect public infrastructure, stressing that government projects can only deliver lasting benefits if communities take ownership of them.
The council chairman also said efforts were underway to arrest the fleeing suspect and anyone found to have aided the alleged crime.
Segibo commended the Angiama Council of Chiefs, the community vigilante group led by Gilpin Alazi Collins, residents of the community and the Divisional Police Officer in Oporoma Division, Agbalaiko Godwin, for their role in the arrest of one suspect.
He appealed to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Perezidei Daniel to report to the nearest police station, warning that anyone harbouring or assisting the fugitive would be treated as an accomplice.
