A large crowd of commuters were on Monday sighted on an alternative pedestrian bridge in the Oshodi area of Lagos State.
TheNigerian Metro learnt this was due to the closure of the pedestrian bridge linking Oshodi Bus Terminals 2 and 3.
The Lagos State Government had ordered the bridge’s immediate closure in January, citing concerns over its safety and structural integrity.
It was gathered that the development, however, coincided with the arrest of commuters crossing the road by officials of the state environmental sanitation, otherwise known as KAI.
This led to overcrowding on the bridge as seen in a viral video by our correspondent.
Some of the commuters also groaned over the development, citing inconvenience and cases of theft.
While calling on the state government to hasten the repair of the main bridge, the commuters expressed fear over the imminent danger associated with the crowd on the alternative bridge.
A commuter, Lanre Olakunle, who spoke to our correspondent, however disclosed that there is no sign of an ongoing repair on the bridge.
“I don’t understand why the other pedestrian bridge has been closed, especially since there doesn’t seem to be any construction or maintenance work taking place. It’s frustrating because pedestrians now have to take longer, sometimes riskier routes just to cross the road. If there were visible repairs or a valid reason for the closure, it would make sense, but as it stands, it feels unnecessary and inconvenient.”
An X user, Femi Longer, lamented that the bridge had been closed for over a month.
“The second pedestrian bridge that has been closed for over a month now should be fixed and open ASAP,” he wrote.
Another X user, @Kemi, while expressing fear due to the condition of the bridge stated that she avoided the bridge by taking another route to her destination.
She wrote, “I always avoid anything that will make me cross this pedestrian bridge in Lagos. I was going to Anthony last year because I didn’t want to take Oshodi Bridge. I went through Ikeja, Maryland then took Keke to Anthony.”
“Moving too close to each other in this condition is not safe at all. I have to keep my bag very close to myself this morning,” another X user identified simply as Gloria wrote.
Meanwhile, while reacting to the viral video, the state government assured commuters that efforts were underway to alleviate the overcrowding.
In a statement posted on X.com on Monday evening, the state Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, acknowledged the challenges faced by residents and commuters in the area due to the high volume of foot traffic at the alternative bridge.
Wahab also reassured the public that the government was already taking steps to address the situation.
He wrote, “Dear Lagosians, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources have taken note of the numerous complaints experienced during the usage of the pedestrian bridge in Oshodi this morning.
“The relevant authorities have been notified of the need to make available additional bridges in the axis.”
Wahab also commended residents for their adherence to the law against the crossing of highways, urging them to keep at it while the government works towards addressing the overcrowding and safety concerns raised by commuters.
He wrote, “We thank you for adhering to the ‘No Crossing of Highway’ law in Lagos State and we’d like to plead that we all keep at it as we work to improve your commute in the axis.”.
