Pedestrians using the PWD, Ladipo, Oshodi, and Berger bridges in Lagos State have lamented the presence of fierce-looking louts seizing control of the bridges.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro on Sunday, 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 suspected robbers steal their belongings on the bridges, especially at night.
Our correspondent who visited the PWD, 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.
“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.”
A vulcaniser, Alaka Sunday, recalled how he witnessed a man robbed of his valuables at night at 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.
“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 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 contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the complaint is known to the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade.
Hundeyin added that the CP has directed all area commanders and divisional police officers to intensify their efforts in battling criminal hideouts in their respective jurisdictions.
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.”
