The fence, which stretches from Mangoro bus stop to Nadal Petroleum Co. Ltd (formerly AP Filling Station) along Old Ota Road, has caused significant inconvenience.
The fence, though well-intentioned, has left a large population of residents from Shiaba, Adeliyi, Adeyemi, Olugbosho, Saratu, Oluremi, Abolore, and Lawal streets (near Guinness) without easy access to Old Ota Road.
Prior to the fence’s construction, two pedestrian bridges were available to help residents cross the rail lines. One was near Zenith Bank and the other close to National Filling Station.
These bridges not only facilitated convenient passage but also provided a sense of security for those returning home late at night.
Residents from the upper parts of Shiaba, Adeyemi, and Olugbosho streets used to cross the rail at an open entrance near the Mobil Station, as the bridges were too far from their homes.
Although the NRC constructed a new pedestrian bridge near Agege Main Market after Isokoko Police Station, its location is too far for residents of these streets to use regularly, especially at night.
The bridge is also poorly lit, leaving it dark and unsafe for those crossing late night. Many are left vulnerable to hoodlum attacks.
The fence construction initially included a small passage near Mobil Station to allow residents to cross the rail line, but this was later blocked. A new pedestrian bridge was built at the end of the fence near Nadal Petroleum Co. Ltd, but it’s still not a viable solution for residents who used to rely on the two previous wooden bridges, as the new one is located much farther away.
The existing pedestrian bridge, located near Agege Main Market, is not only too far for these residents but also poorly illuminated, especially at night when it’s most needed.
For people returning home late, walking the rail line without a bridge exposes them to dangerous conditions and possible attacks.
Residents, especially the youths, have even resorted to climbing the high fence to cross the rail, a dangerous practice that is becoming increasingly common, especially among young people and children. This situation needs urgent attention to prevent future tragedies.
In one tragic incident, a man was found dead on the rail after being attacked by hoodlums. The removal of the two makeshift pedestrian bridges and the blocking of the passage at Mobil Station has worsened the situation.
Many now find themselves in a difficult position, especially when crossing at night, with little option but to take dangerous routes.
Some residents, including a middle-aged man known as ‘Doctor,’ have expressed concern about the risks people face owing to inadequate provisions for safe crossings.
He highlighted the lack of proper lighting on the new pedestrian bridge, noting that it is often unlit at night, leaving people vulnerable to attack.
“The government must ensure that pedestrian bridges are properly lit and secured, especially at night, to protect those who use them,” he said.
A local resident, Iyabo, also spoke out, emphasising that the safety of citizens should be the government’s top priority.
“While we appreciate the government’s efforts in building infrastructure, the lives of the people who will use it should also be considered,” she said.
Femi Johnson, another local resident, condemned the blocking of entrances to the rail and the distance of the new pedestrian bridge from the communities. “The government should reinstate the bridges or at least build a new one closer to the old locations. The current setup is making life more dangerous for everyone,” he said.
Adigun Edun, a civil servant in the area, also shared his frustration. He expressed concern over the inconvenience caused by the removal of the pedestrian bridges and the blocked access points.
His words: “The removal of these bridges has made it much harder for us to safely cross the rail, especially at night. We are pleading with the government to build another pedestrian bridge, preferably between Zenith Bank and National Filling Station.”
When contacted, NRC’s Lagos Regional Director, Augustine Arisa, requested a video of the area in question to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
He assured that as a temporary solution, the police would be informed to increase surveillance in the area. He also mentioned that police had already been deployed to monitor other dangerous points in the region in the past and had made arrests.
