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…Taskforce reads riot act
By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Government has arrested individuals accused of extorting money from pedestrians using the alternative pedestrian bridge in Oshodi, following the closure of the original bridge due to safety concerns.
In January, the state government shut down the Oshodi pedestrian bridge linking Terminals 2 and 3, citing structural issues and safety risks.
The closure led to a surge in foot traffic on an alternative bridge, resulting in overcrowding, which was captured in viral videos and photos circulating online on Monday.
Reacting to the extortion incident, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed that miscreants had been exploiting commuters on the alternative bridge.
He stated, “Our attention has been drawn to reports of extortion on the bridge. These individuals were arrested this morning, and we will continue to take action against anyone engaging in such unlawful activities.”
Osiyemi assured the public that while repairs are ongoing on the closed bridge, the alternative pedestrian bridge remains open for use, and efforts to alleviate congestion are underway. The government has vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely and take further action as necessary.
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In response to the viral videos and photos circulating online on Monday, which showed a significant overcrowding of the pedestrian bridge, the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, provided an explanation for the situation.
He clarified that the congestion was a result of a joint enforcement operation conducted by the Lagos State Task Force and the personnel of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) team.
CSP Akerele further elaborated that many pedestrians in the area tend to avoid using the designated pedestrian bridge, preferring instead to cross the road illegally.
However, due to the enforcement presence of both agencies, the individuals were left with no alternative but to use the bridge, leading to the overcrowding captured in the viral footage.
He emphasized that this enforcement action was a necessary step in ensuring compliance with state laws aimed at safeguarding public safety and maintaining order on the streets.
Akerele reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to upholding the laws of Lagos State, ensuring that all residents, or “Lagosians,” remain safe while navigating the city. He made it clear that the agency would continue to take a firm stance on law enforcement, particularly in areas critical to public safety such as pedestrian crossings.
