Pedestrians traversing the PWD, Ladipo, Oshodi, and Berger bridges in Lagos State have voiced their distress over the intimidating presence of aggressive individuals taking control of these passageways.
In conversations with PUNCH Metro on Sunday, some pedestrians expressed deep concern over the necessity to cross the highways at night, putting their lives at risk to circumvent the bridges.
Furthermore, they reported instances of suspected robbery, particularly after dark, with some assailants targeting them for their belongings on the bridges.
During an investigation by our correspondent at the PWD, Ladipo, and Oshodi pedestrian bridges, it was noted that these structures harbored individuals with mental health challenges and menacing figures. Consequently, pedestrians opted to circumvent the bridges and cross the expressway instead.
A shop owner, known only as Chigozie, alleged that vandals had damaged sections of the bridges and criticized the government for failing to oversee the maintenance of these structures.
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.
“To be honest, all these pedestrian bridges that the government built are wasting away because they have refused to do the right thing. They built the bridge without monitoring it properly. If you look closely, you will see that some of the bridge material has been removed, but still, nothing has been done concerning the bridge.
“The government can help us in so many ways by putting security officials to monitor the bridge or imposing that no one must cross the highway again, and they can also check on the bridge from time to time.”
Alaka Sunday, a vulcanizer, vividly recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing a man being robbed of his valuables one night on the Shogunle pedestrian bridge.
He said, “I witnessed a night where they robbed a man who wanted to use the bridge to get to the other side of the road. They took his phone, wallet, and other things from him. The situation is becoming more and more scary daily. I see different things on the bridge because I am also a vigilante at Shogunle.
READ ALSO: Lagos Thugs Impose N100 Levy on Residents Using Pedestrian Bridge
“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 known only as Iya Basit earnestly implored the government to address the ongoing menace with a permanent solution.
“I do not use the bridge at Oshodi because all these louts will target you and look for ways to steal from you, especially at night. I see the way they steal from people in this place, and it is not good. The government should please help us remove these people from the bridge, especially on these Bolade and Oshodi bridges.”
A driver at Berger who pleaded anonymity said, “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.
“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.”
When reached for comment, Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Police Public Relations Officer, affirmed that Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade is aware of the complaint.
Also, Hundeyin added that the CP has instructed all area commanders and divisional police officers to increase their efforts in addressing criminal hideouts within their designated areas.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police is not unaware of this complaint. He has directed all area commanders and divisional police officers to step up their game of combating criminal hideouts in their areas of responsibility. The criminals that will be caught will be prosecuted, and we hope to see a significant reduction in the number of cases.”
