Residents of Jos communities are crying over a new form of theft of iron rods by hoodlums from the bridge located in the heart of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The bridge, which is named ‘Gadan Tsogai,’ is located along Ibrahim Katsina – Nasarawa road linking various communities within the state capital.
Benue/Plateau Trust correspondent, who visited the area reports how some of the iron rods attached to the pillars of the 45-year-old bridge were removed by unknown persons who were said to be selling them out.
Jabir Lawan Usman, the councilor representing the area in Jos North Local Government Council, who confirmed the development to Benue/Plateau Trust on Thursday, condemned the action.
“We suddenly realised that some unpatriotic youths from Nasarawa, Naraguta ‘A’, and Ibrahim Kasina areas do come to the bridge site to steal the rods that the bridge was built with. What they always do is to put fire on the pillars, detach the concrete and forcefully remove the rods.”
The councilor further said a committee has been set up to investigate the matter and ensure whoever was found guilty would be arrested and face the full wrath of the law.
He called on the community and religious leaders to warn youths against stealing the rods as it would lead to its total collapse thereby affecting the socio-economic well-being of various communities within Jos.
Our correspondent reports that the discovery of the incident has been generating concern and fear among the residents, who fear that if the bridge eventually collapses from this action thousands of people would suffer and rebuilding it would be difficult especially at this period when the economy of the country is not buoyant.