The state, in a renewed vigour to compel use of footbridges, had vowed to arrest and prosecute defaulters.
Disclosing this, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said officials of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), alongside other agencies, have been instructed to enforce the directive.
He said: “Crossing the highway is an offence in Lagos. The state government has given a marching order to the KAI Marshall and other law enforcement officials to arrest anyone crossing the highway and charge them to court immediately, where, if convicted, offenders risk a fine of N50,000 or jail term.”
According to him, pedestrian bridges were built to save the lives of Lagosians.
However, some residents, who spoke to The Guardian, blamed unwillingness to use the bridges on their design.
A pedestrian, Jamaiu Idowu, lamented that since the Oshodi foot bridge was constructed, he has feared to use it because of hoodlums. He said the situation is worsened by officials of the state’s advertising agency, who cover both sides of the bridge with billboards.
Another resident, Iya Ibeji, said because of her waist pain, she preferred crossing the road at Cele Bus stop, along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, without minding the inherent dangers.
Also, Prudence Chinaza, said: “Using the bridge is the right thing. But it’s not everybody that has the strength and energy to climb the bridge; hence many prefer to cross the road.”
On his part, Saliu Lawal, said: “I cross the road because of my legs. I feel pain when I am climbing the bridge. I wish there was an alternative.”
Also, Olabisi Oyeniran, said: “It’s so stressful using the bridge. I’m not aware that Lagos State government has started arresting people who fail to use the bridge. Crossing the road is dangerous, but I watch before I cross. I also use the pedestrian bridge. but I cross the road once in a while.”
A man, who simply identified himself as George, said: “The height of the bridge is a problem. The government also needs to put officials on both sides to restrict people from crossing the road. I think with that, it will work.
“I’m not aware that the Lagos State government is arresting anyone who fails to use the pedestrian bridge with a fine of N50,000. The awareness needs to go further, especially through social media.”
When contacted, spokesperson for LAGESC, Ajayi Lukman, said: “In the last two weeks, we have arrested about 15 persons per day. It is a serious matter because the government will not fold its arms and allow residents to risk their lives. The state government spent lots of money to construct pedestrian bridges in major locations in the state. This makes it easier for people to cross the highway. They raised the alarm about miscreants around the bridges, and we are now arresting them and charging them to court.”
