Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has stirred controversy after calling for the immediate shooting of vandals caught destroying public infrastructure, particularly on federal highways.
Onanuga made the remark on Sunday while reacting to a video shared on X by a user identified as Salanwu Omoiyaonipako. The video showed suspected vandals cutting and removing starter bars and shoulder rods at the ongoing reconstruction site of the Ibadan–Ilesa/Ife Federal Highway.
In his post accompanying the video, Omoiyaonipako lamented what he described as the persistent destruction of public assets despite government efforts to improve road infrastructure across the country. He expressed frustration over the repeated vandalisation of materials meant for the highway project, describing the act as “pure wickedness” and a deliberate attempt to sabotage development.
Responding to the footage, Onanuga condemned the actions of the vandals in strong terms, describing them as “unconscionable” and referring to them as “the worst species of citizenship.” In a quoted response on the social media platform, the presidential adviser suggested that such individuals should be shot on sight to deter others from engaging in similar acts.
His comment has since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the appropriateness of such a stance, especially given existing laws governing crime, punishment, and due process.
Vandalism of public infrastructure remains a major challenge in Nigeria, particularly along federal highways and other critical assets. Beyond road construction sites, vandals have frequently targeted oil and gas pipelines, railway tracks, electricity cables, and power installations. These activities have often resulted in severe economic losses, disruptions to essential services, and, in some cases, injuries and loss of lives.
Security agencies and government officials have repeatedly warned that the destruction of public assets undermines national development and places additional financial burdens on the state. The government has continued to call for increased vigilance, community cooperation, and stronger enforcement measures to protect public infrastructure and ensure that development projects are completed without interference.
