Residents of Iyana Iba, near the Lagos State University (LASU), are sounding the alarm over the growing presence of miscreants on the newly constructed pedestrian bridge in the area.
The bridge, which is yet to be officially opened, has become a haven for homeless individuals, scavengers, and thugs, with some even sleeping and damaging the structure.
Precious Chukwu, a concerned resident, expressed her fear: “Seeing those people on the bridge won’t even allow you to pass there. You can’t even tell if they are mad. They look too dangerous and fearful. The government should protect passersby before the bridge is opened. As a woman, I doubt if I can pass there, because I would be scared of being raped.”
Yusuf Wole, another resident, added: “As time goes by, the place won’t be safe for students. There is a need to station marshals or security agencies here. These people are just there to cause problems. We don’t want them to turn this bridge into another hotspot like the one at Ojota, Berger and others where they steal and create nuisance.”
Ismail Ojo, a third resident, warned: “If you’re familiar with Iyana Iba, you will know it’s a hotspot for thieves and the likes. These individuals need to be removed before they completely take over the bridge.
Just imagine what they will do once it is officially opened. It is not in use yet, and they have already started sleeping there and gradually damaging the structure.”
Efforts to reach Kunle Adeshina, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable and messages went unanswered.
