In Lagos State, pedestrians utilizing the PWD, Ladipo, Oshodi, and Berger bridges have bemoaned the appearance of ferocious individuals taking over the bridges.
However, some pedestrians expressed sorrow over having to cross the highway at night and risking their lives to avoid the bridge.They also claimed that some of the alleged robbers steal their belongings from the bridges, especially at night.
Our correspondent Ladipo, and Oshodi pedestrian bridges observed that there were some mentally challenged individuals and fierce-looking louts on the bridges.It was also observed that pedestrians avoided the bridge and crossed the expressway.
A shop owner, simply identified as Chigozie, claimed that miscreants had vandalised portions of the bridges and that the government had refused to monitor the structure.He said, “From the Airport Bridge down to Oshodi Bridge, you can never see anyone using the bridge, and even if you do, they are very few, and the major reason is because of all those touts that stay on the bridge.
Since the government has refused to act appropriately, all of these pedestrian bridges that were constructed by them are, to be honest, deteriorating. The bridge was constructed without adequate supervision. Even though some of the bridge’s material has been removed, nothing has been done to address the structure if you look closely.
“The government can assist us in a number of ways, such as assigning security guards to watch over the bridge or enforcing the rule that nobody is allowed to cross the highway again. They can also periodically inspect the bridge.”
A vulcaniser, Alaka Sunday, recalled how he witnessed a man robbed of his valuables at night at the Shogunle pedestrian bridge. Bridge reconstruction resumes Jan 6″I saw a night where they robbed a man who wanted to cross the bridge to go across the road,” the man remarked.
They took his phone, wallet, and other things from him. The situation is becoming more and more scary daily. My perception of the bridge is altered due to my dual role as a vigilante at Shogunle.“These louts mainly carry out this operation at night, and the major people they target are ladies because they know that they do not have the power to fight back.
The government should please help us by removing all these louts on the bridge.”A trader simply identified as Iya Basit pleaded with the government to find a lasting solution to the menace.I avoid using the Oshodi bridge because, especially at night, these louts will target you and look for opportunities to steal from you.
I observe how they defraud people here, and it is not right. We need assistance from the government to get these people off the bridge, especially on the Bolade and Oshodi bridges.”I drive from Berger to Oshodi every day, even till night, and sometimes I see all these bad boys steal from people’s pockets even without the person knowing,” said a driver at Berger, who begged to remain anonymous.“Some of them have been caught several times, while others have escaped with it.
It happens everywhere. We can only keep praying for protection and hope that the government will intervene.”Adegoke Fayoade, the Commissioner of Police, is aware of the complaint, according to Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Police Public Relations Officer, who was contacted.
The CP has ordered all area commanders and divisional police officers to step up their efforts to root out criminal hideouts within their respective jurisdictions, according to Hundeyin.”The Commissioner of Police is aware of this complaint,” he declared.
In their respective spheres of influence, he has instructed all area commanders and divisional police officers to intensify their efforts to combat criminal hideouts. We anticipate a large drop in the number of cases, and those who are caught as criminals will face legal action.