Follow Us on Google
• Residents protest over sinking link bridge, seek Gov Abiodun’s intervention
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Residents of Sodeke-Titun Ilupeju, Oke Odo and 22 other communities in the Sabo area of Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State, yesterday staged a peaceful protest, over the dilapidated condition of the only bridge linking the 23 communities to the Lafenwa-Sabo axis.
The residents who lamented years of government neglect, declared that the collapsing bridge had become a death trap for motorists and pedestrians, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and save the bridge from total collapse.
Bearing placards with inscriptions such as “Asejere CDA Needs Government Intervention, Please Help!”, “No Road, No Bridge, Yet You Tax Us”, and “Save Our Communities from Isolation”, the residents bemoaned government inaction despite repeated appeals for assistance on the deplorable condition of the bridge and access roads serving the 23 communities.
Chairman, Sodeke-Titun Ilupeju, Oke Odo Community, Alhaji Kamilu Sanusi, said residents have endured untold hardship due to the deteriorating state of the bridge, which he described as a major economic and social lifeline for the affected communities.
According to him, the bridge has become a death trap, particularly during the rainy season, while the poor condition of the roads has discouraged commercial drivers and motorcyclists from operating in the area, forcing residents to trek long distances to access transportation.
“We have written several ‘Save-Our-Souls’ letters to the Abeokuta North Local Government and other relevant authorities, but unfortunately, nothing has been done. We can no longer continue to suffer in silence while our communities face the threat of complete isolation,” Sanusi said.
He disclosed that residents had on several occasions contributed personal funds to carry out temporary repairs on the bridge, but the efforts yielded little result due to the extent of the damage.
Central Area Chairman, Sabo CDC, Dr Adekunle Adesola, called on Governor Abiodun to take immediate action before the bridge collapsed completely.
He warned that the situation poses a serious risk to lives and property, especially during the rainy season when erosion worsens the condition of the bridge.
Adesola stressed that urgent intervention would not only save residents from further hardship but also prevent possible tragedies involving school children, commuters and other road users.
Residents including Madam Morin Olayinka, Mrs. Bisi Badejo, Imam AbdulWahab Odejimi and Adegbola Ismail, appealed to government to urgently come to their aid.
They recounted how they had consistently taxed themselves to maintain the bridge in order to keep it passable.
They lamented that the burden had become unbearable and warned that a total collapse of the structure would cut off thousands of residents from neighbouring communities, as the alternative route is in an even worse condition.
They urged government and relevant authorities to treat the matter as an emergency and commence rehabilitation of the bridge and adjoining roads without further delay.
