The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has stirred controversy after advocating the immediate execution of individuals caught vandalising materials on federal highways.
Onanuga made the remark on Sunday, the 1st of February, 2026, while reacting to a video posted on X by a user identified as Salanwu Omoiyaonipako. The footage captured suspected vandals cutting starter bars and shoulder rods at the ongoing reconstruction site of the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife Federal Highway.
In his post, Omoiyaonipako lamented the persistent destruction of public infrastructure despite government investments aimed at improving road networks across the country. He wrote: “Update on the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife Federal Highway. “Vandals are at it again! They’re cutting and removing starter bars/shoulder rods at the construction site.
“This is pure wickedness. The government is helping us build good roads, but some Nigerians are vandalising them. I’m tired!”
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Responding to the video, Onanuga condemned the actions of the individuals involved, describing them as “unconscionable” and “the worst species of citizenship”.
He further stated in a quoted reply: “Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are the worst species of citizens.”
Vandalism of public assets along highways, however, goes beyond road projects alone. Similar acts have been reported involving oil pipelines, railway infrastructure, and electricity cables and poles, frequently resulting in service interruptions and, in certain cases, loss of lives.