Across Nigeria’s major highways, pedestrian bridges stand largely deserted as many commuters ignore these lifesaving structures and instead dash across lanes of speeding traffic. This growing disregard for safe crossing points has contributed to a surge in road crashes, turning busy expressways into deadly killing fields where countless pedestrians lose their lives in avoidable tragedies. CHIJIOKE IREMEKA writesWhat began as an ordinary morning ended in tragedy for a nursing mother who tried to dash across the ever-busy International Airport Road instead of using the government-provided pedestrian bridge.Identified as Mojisola, the woman was struck by a speeding Toyota Highlander moments after stepping onto the expressway from the Mafoluku side of the 7 & 8 Bus Stop, Lagos.A taxi driver, Segun Ajayi, who witnessed the tragedy, said the woman was attempting to cross to Ajao Estate when traffic appeared light, prompting several pedestrians to sprint across the highway. However, being among the last to cross, she was hit by the oncoming vehicle.He told Saturday PUNCH that the victim did not properly look out for approaching vehicles but simply followed others across the road.“Before she could reach the middle barricade, an oncoming vehicle travelling at high speed hit her. Many people rushed to the scene to assist her, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. She was unconscious when sympathisers took her away,” he said.According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” What began as an ordinary morning ended in tragedy for a nursing mother who tried to dash across the ever-busy International Airport Road instead of using the government-provided pedestrian bridge.Identified as Mojisola, the woman was struck by a speeding Toyota Highlander moments after stepping onto the expressway from the Mafoluku side of the 7 & 8 Bus Stop, Lagos.A taxi driver, Segun Ajayi, who witnessed the tragedy, said the woman was attempting to cross to Ajao Estate when traffic appeared light, prompting several pedestrians to sprint across the highway. However, being among the last to cross, she was hit by the oncoming vehicle.He told Saturday PUNCH that the victim did not properly look out for approaching vehicles but simply followed others across the road.“Before she could reach the middle barricade, an oncoming vehicle travelling at high speed hit her. Many people rushed to the scene to assist her, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. She was unconscious when sympathisers took her away,” he said.According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Identified as Mojisola, the woman was struck by a speeding Toyota Highlander moments after stepping onto the expressway from the Mafoluku side of the 7 & 8 Bus Stop, Lagos.A taxi driver, Segun Ajayi, who witnessed the tragedy, said the woman was attempting to cross to Ajao Estate when traffic appeared light, prompting several pedestrians to sprint across the highway. However, being among the last to cross, she was hit by the oncoming vehicle.He told Saturday PUNCH that the victim did not properly look out for approaching vehicles but simply followed others across the road.“Before she could reach the middle barricade, an oncoming vehicle travelling at high speed hit her. Many people rushed to the scene to assist her, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. She was unconscious when sympathisers took her away,” he said.According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” A taxi driver, Segun Ajayi, who witnessed the tragedy, said the woman was attempting to cross to Ajao Estate when traffic appeared light, prompting several pedestrians to sprint across the highway. However, being among the last to cross, she was hit by the oncoming vehicle.He told Saturday PUNCH that the victim did not properly look out for approaching vehicles but simply followed others across the road.“Before she could reach the middle barricade, an oncoming vehicle travelling at high speed hit her. Many people rushed to the scene to assist her, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. She was unconscious when sympathisers took her away,” he said.According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He told Saturday PUNCH that the victim did not properly look out for approaching vehicles but simply followed others across the road.“Before she could reach the middle barricade, an oncoming vehicle travelling at high speed hit her. Many people rushed to the scene to assist her, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. She was unconscious when sympathisers took her away,” he said.According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “Before she could reach the middle barricade, an oncoming vehicle travelling at high speed hit her. Many people rushed to the scene to assist her, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. She was unconscious when sympathisers took her away,” he said.According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” According to him, the occupants of the vehicle were possibly rushing to catch a flight at the airport.Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Ajayi, whose taxi park is close to the accident scene, said he had witnessed several crashes there because many pedestrians heading to Ajao Estate routinely ignored the pedestrian bridge.“She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees,” he added.‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” ‘I almost died crossing the expressway’In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” In a similar incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, said he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle ran over his foot while attempting to cross the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He sustained injuries that kept him away from his business for a week and had to use crutches for several months.According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” According to him, the incident occurred during the morning rush hour when traffic was particularly heavy.“While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “While crossing, I didn’t know there was another vehicle trying to overtake from the other side.“I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “I jumped immediately in an attempt to save my life, but as I landed, the back tyre of the approaching vehicle ran over my foot.“I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “I didn’t feel much pain at that moment, but later my foot became swollen, and I couldn’t walk for days. Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient,” he said.Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Chidume said that although a new pedestrian bridge had been provided, many people avoided using it for fear of being robbed.According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” According to him, the bridge is often deserted, while reports of muggings discourage pedestrians, pushing many, including himself, to risk crossing the highway instead.“If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “If you are familiar with the bridges on this route, you will know that nobody uses them in the evening. You dare not; otherwise, you may be robbed. But then, safety comes first.“For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “For convenience, it is easier for me to run across the expressway than to climb a bridge that is about the height of a two-storey building.“Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “Sometimes, you simply don’t have the strength to climb it. You only remember to use it when it is raining because it offers shelter. But climbing that height is a lot,” he said.During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” During visits to locations where pedestrian bridges had been provided, Saturday PUNCH observed that even amid heavy traffic, pedestrians continued to dash across expressways, weaving through slow-moving and stationary vehicles while raising their hands to alert motorists to their presence.The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The menace of jaywalking on highwaysThe widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The widespread abandonment of multi-million-naira pedestrian bridges has continued to claim lives, as many pedestrians ignore the safer option and instead weave through speeding traffic in a bid to save time.The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The consequences are reflected in road crash statistics.The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The Federal Road Safety Corps said it recorded 597 deaths from road crashes during the 2025/2026 Operation Zero, which ran from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Within the same period, the agency rescued 2,792 road crash victims.The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the operation.He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He said the number of people involved in road crashes increased from 5,761 in the previous year to 5,942, while fatalities rose from 571 to 597, representing a 4.2 per cent increase. Injuries also climbed from 2,462 to 2,522.“These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “These figures demonstrate that while interventions saved lives, risky road user behaviour continues to undermine safety during peak travel periods,” Mohammed said.Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 1,419 road crashes were recorded in the third quarter of 2023.A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” A total of 908 people were killed during the period, comprising 743 males (81.83 per cent) and 165 females (18.17 per cent).The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The bureau also recorded 6,041 injured persons, comprising 4,625 males (76.56 per cent) and 1,416 females (23.44 per cent), many of whom were victims of risky road-use behaviour.Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the persistent habit of crossing highways instead of using pedestrian bridges remains a major contributor to pedestrian crashes across the country.Many pedestrian bridges lie in disuseAcross Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Across Lagos, many pedestrian bridges built at huge public expense now stand largely deserted. During visits to several locations, including Oshodi and Airport Road, Saturday PUNCH observed that many of the structures had fallen into disuse, with some taken over by street urchins.While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” While there is no doubt that more pedestrian bridges are needed at busy locations such as Iyana Isolo and Five Star bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, it is equally troubling that many of the existing ones are being ignored by the very people they were built to protect.Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Perhaps because they are underutilised, some of the bridges have become makeshift shelters for destitute persons, mentally challenged individuals and other undesirable elements, as seen at Sadiku, Mazamaza, Oshodi and Ojota bus stops, among other locations.Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Despite the growing number of avoidable crashes linked to jaywalking, many pedestrians continue to dash across busy highways with little regard for their safety.To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” To encourage the use of pedestrian bridges, the Lagos State Government installed wire-mesh barriers along several highways to discourage pedestrians from crossing. However, whenever the fences are vandalised or broken, people simply return to crossing the roads.Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Safety experts said that while the government could provide the infrastructure, its effectiveness ultimately depends on whether pedestrians choose to use it.Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Ironically, many of those who are too impatient to climb a bridge to save a few minutes often end up spending weeks or even months recovering from injuries sustained in preventable crashes.At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” At Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop recently, our correspondent witnessed another consequence of that impatience.Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Hakeem, as he was identified, suffered a fractured right tibia after he was hit by a dispatch rider while attempting to dash across the expressway.The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The accident occurred after he collided with another pedestrian who was also running across the highway from the opposite direction. Before the two men could disentangle themselves, the dispatch motorcycle rammed into Hakeem.The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The rider also sustained serious injuries and was coughing up blood, possibly from internal injuries, as sympathisers rushed both victims to hospital.Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Troubling findingsDuring Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” During Saturday PUNCH’s tour to assess compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, several were found to be abandoned, while only a few recorded high usage due to strict enforcement.A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” A trip along Airport Road revealed widespread apathy towards the use of pedestrian bridges, mirroring what was observed in other locations. The observations and photographs taken at each bridge attest to this.Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Pregnant women, children, adults and nursing mothers carrying babies were seen crossing busy highways, in some cases inadvertently teaching their children to disregard traffic laws at the expense of their own safety.Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Areas visited included the pedestrian bridge at Sandfill beside Oriental Hotel on Lagos Island, where not a single person was seen using the bridge; Oshodi, Five Star, Sadiku and Cele bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway; Oluti, Mazamaza, Mile 2 and Ojo, opposite the Lagos State University gate, along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway; as well as 7 & 8 and NAHCO on Airport Road.The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The pedestrian bridge at Charity, opposite the Nigerian Army Resettlement Centre, was also found to be largely unused.Related NewsScavengers strip Lagos bridge pillars of iron rodsLagos arrests 27 over bridge vandalismFire service unveils mandatory warden training for organisationsAt Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” At Sadiku, the bridge had been converted into a mini-market, with different wares displayed for sale. A similar situation was observed at Iyana-Itire Bus Stop, where trading activities had taken over parts of the bridge.The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The situation was no different at Cele-Ijesha Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where large numbers of people crossed the busy highway to access the Okota axis. Among them were children, pregnant women and elderly persons. Some even shouted at motorists who failed to stop and allow them to cross.The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The investigation also revealed that in most locations where pedestrians ignored the bridges, there were no iron fences or protective barriers preventing them from crossing the expressway.It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” It was further discovered that enforcement had weakened significantly. Officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, who previously arrested and prosecuted pedestrians for crossing highways illegally, were absent from all the locations visited during the investigation.Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Iron barrier-induced complianceHowever, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” However, the few areas where compliance was high had one thing in common: pedestrians had no practical alternative but to use the bridges.For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” For instance, pedestrian bridges along the Orile-Mile 2 corridor recorded near-total compliance because iron barriers separate both sides of the expressway, making it virtually impossible to cross the road directly.The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The barriers were likely installed to protect the railway corridor. As a result, pedestrians were compelled to use the bridges at locations such as Alaba, Alaba Suru, Odu-Ade, Mile 2-Dubar and Alafia.Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Need for moreNevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Nevertheless, there is a genuine need for pedestrian bridges at Toyota and Iyana-Isolo bus stops along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, where several deaths and injuries have been recorded as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Saturday PUNCH reports that both locations experience heavy pedestrian traffic daily, yet no pedestrian bridges are available. As a result, motorists are often forced to stop and allow large groups of people to cross the road.The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The high volume of pedestrians at Toyota Bus Stop is largely driven by people moving to and from the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin, particularly in the mornings and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Similarly, Iyana-Isolo records heavy pedestrian traffic because it serves students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, as well as commuters heading to Mushin, Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate and Isolo, among other destinations.Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Pedestrians disrupt our activities — MotoristsA commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” A commercial bus driver, Okey Ofili, who plies the CSM-Okokomaiko route, told our correspondent that drivers feel more at ease when pedestrians use footbridges and become anxious whenever they attempt to cross the expressway.“This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “This is Lagos. The police do not want to hear who is at fault. As long as a life is involved, they will arrest you, and you will pay heavily.“So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “So when pedestrians are crossing, we have to stop and wait. We may insult them, but we still have to wait because if you hit and kill any of them, you will be in serious trouble,” he added.Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Another driver, Jamiu Ibrahim, recounted how a pedestrian almost caused a serious crash after suddenly stepping onto the road.“I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “I have poor eyesight and I see things that are far away better than those that are close. One day, while driving, I don’t know where a woman came from and only suddenly saw her right in front of my vehicle. I almost hit her, but I swerved, and my bus ran into a drainage. I drive an LT bus and ply the Oshodi-Ikeja Along route,” he said.Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Why we shun footbridgesExplaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Explaining why she crosses the expressway instead of using the footbridge, Bella Oke said many people avoid the bridges due to security concerns.“I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “I was almost robbed once by those people, but for some men who came to my rescue. I can imagine what would happen to anybody who uses the bridge at night. Some are too long and high. I don’t think it has lights either. If anything happens to anybody there, nobody will know,” she said.Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Another young woman, who was accosted by traffic officials for jaywalking at Sadiku Bus Stop, said traders occupying the bridge had made movement difficult, forcing many pedestrians onto the expressway.She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” She, however, admitted that convenience, rather than the presence of traders, remained the main reason she crossed the road.The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The woman urged the authorities to clear traders from the bridge to make it safer and more accessible.“The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “The officials are not doing anything about it. Not even KAI operatives are addressing the situation. They are only interested in waylaying pedestrians who do not use the bridges so they can extort them,” she alleged.Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Saturday PUNCH reports that, at one time, personnel of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps were stationed on pedestrian bridges, particularly during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to deter criminals and reassure users. KAI officials also carried out regular patrols to enforce compliance.An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” An elderly pedestrian, Rashidat Ademola, admitted that she avoids using the footbridge whenever she is in a hurry, arguing that climbing the bridges is particularly difficult for elderly people.However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” However, traffic officials insisted that no excuse justifies crossing the expressway illegally.LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” LASTMA warns against fatal impatienceOn May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” On May 4, 2025, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority warned pedestrians against crossing expressways after a lorry crushed a pedestrian along the Ojota Expressway.The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The agency urged strict compliance with the use of pedestrian bridges, stating that the fatal collision occurred when the lorry, travelling along the Ojota main carriageway, encountered the pedestrian, who had breached crossing regulations.The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” The warning, signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pedestrian.According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and entirely preventable.He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He emphasised the grave dangers of crossing high-speed expressways outside designated points, describing the practice as both perilous and irresponsible.“It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “It is both reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructural provisions made for pedestrian safety. The state government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” he said.He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He further warned that disregard for traffic safety protocols endangers not only the individual but also the wider public, and called for collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Anybody caught is prosecuted — KAIWhen contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline, Lukman Ajayi, said the agency’s operatives were still actively enforcing compliance.He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He said between three and four casualties are recorded daily from people crossing expressways, noting that despite the associated danger, many pedestrians continue to ignore the safer option.“We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “We are still carrying out operations to ensure that pedestrians do not cross expressways because we are helping them preserve their lives and those of other road users.“If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “If you cross the expressway and escape, you are free for that day. But if you are caught, you will be prosecuted. We are not the ones who prosecute people; it is the court that does that,” he told our correspondent.Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Asked why KAI officials were absent from the locations visited during the investigation, Ajayi said, “Our operations are continuous. However, we close by 5 p.m., so that could be the reason you did not see us.”“We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “We have warned people to stop crossing the expressway, but they refuse. If they are killed, who will be blamed? Governor Sanwo-Olu does not cross the expressway, so why should they?” he added.We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” We still carry out spontaneous patrols on bridges — Neighbourhood CorpsResponding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” Responding to findings that personnel were no longer visibly stationed on pedestrian bridges, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Toba, said operatives still conduct regular patrols of bridges and other vulnerable locations across the state.He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” He said, “We carry out spontaneous patrols, not only on the bridges but also in communities with high crime rates. We have arrested people involved in criminal activities.“From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “From 7 o’clock, you will see our personnel patrolling the streets and monitoring activities across the state. In Oshodi, as in other locations, we work hand in hand with KAI and other security agencies to ensure pedestrians are safe and use the bridges.“We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “We do not carry guns, so we work with other security agencies to ensure everyone’s safety. Some of these people carry dangerous weapons, including screwdrivers, which they use to attack people when confronted.“We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.” “We have patrol vehicles for our operations, so we are still working, but we are no longer stationed permanently in one location. By the time you visited, our personnel might have moved from the bridge to another area that required their attention. We also use bicycles for patrols.”