CDHR Urges Delta Govt To Protect New Infrastructure From Vandals

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Branch, has called on the Delta State Government to urgently strengthen security around newly constructed and ongoing infrastructure at major junctions across the state to prevent vandalism and the activities of scavengers.

The group commended the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the ongoing infrastructural projects at the DSC Effurun Roundabout, PTI Junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen Junction.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of CDHR Delta State Branch, Comr. Derrick O. Agberen, and the Publicity Secretary, Comr. Nosa Oveseey Godswill, dated August 12, 2026, the organisation expressed concern over the recurring abandonment of public infrastructure to vandals after huge amounts of public funds have been spent on such projects.

According to CDHR, government infrastructure is often targeted by scavengers who dismantle, steal and sell valuable components, particularly iron rods and steel materials, for quick financial gains.

The organisation cited a recent incident in Lagos, where 27 suspected scavengers were arrested for allegedly vandalising a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija by breaking concrete structures to remove iron rods and steel reinforcements.

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CDHR warned that Delta State must not allow a similar situation to occur, stressing that the state government’s investments in roads, flyovers, junctions and other public infrastructure must be protected.

The group consequently demanded the immediate deployment of steady security patrols around ongoing and completed projects at DSC, PTI, Effurun and Enerhen Junctions.

It also called for the establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor the facilities, arrest vandals and tackle illegal scrap dealers operating around public infrastructure.

CDHR further urged the government to ensure proper maintenance, adequate lighting and regular cleaning of the facilities, noting that well-maintained public infrastructure would discourage abuse and vandalism.

The organisation also called for greater public sensitisation, urging the government to engage community leaders, youths and Community Development Associations (CDAs) in protecting the projects as community-owned assets.

Addressing Governor Oborevwori, CDHR said the projects were “legacy projects” that should not be allowed to become monuments of waste, urging the government to put preventive measures in place before vandals could undermine the investments.

The group also appealed to residents to protect public infrastructure, stressing that the roads, flyovers and junctions belong to the people and should be collectively safeguarded.

“The cost of prevention is far cheaper than the cost of repair. Let us secure what we have built,” CDHR stated.