Outcry in Ogun as Residents Protest Unsafe Bridge, Request Swift Government Response
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Residents of Sodeke-Titun Ilupeju, Oke Odo, and 22 other communities in the Sabo area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State, on Wednesday took to the streets in a peaceful protest over the deplorable state of a bridge connecting their communities to the Lafenwa-Sabo axis.
The demonstrators appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene and prevent the complete collapse of the bridge, which serves as the only access route to the affected communities. Carrying placards bearing messages such as *“No Road, No Bridge, Yet You Tax Us”* and *“Save Our Communities from Isolation,”* the residents lamented years of neglect and unsuccessful appeals to government authorities.
Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of the community, Alhaji Kamilu Sanusi, described the bridge as a critical economic and social link for thousands of residents, warning that its deteriorating condition threatens lives and livelihoods.
According to him, several distress letters had been sent to the Abeokuta North Local Government and other relevant agencies without any positive response.
“We have submitted numerous Save Our Souls letters to the local government and other authorities, but nothing has been done. We can no longer endure this neglect,” he said.
Sanusi further described the bridge as a death trap, particularly during the rainy season, noting that many commercial drivers and motorcyclists now avoid the route because of safety concerns.
As a result, residents are forced to walk long distances before accessing transportation, a situation he said has increased hardship for traders, workers, students, and other commuters.
He revealed that community members had repeatedly contributed money to carry out temporary repairs on the bridge, but stressed that the extent of the damage now exceeds what residents can manage on their own.
“On several occasions, we have pooled resources together to undertake palliative repairs, but the deterioration has reached a stage beyond the capacity of the community,” he added.
Other residents, including Alhaja Morin Olayinka, Mrs. Bisi Badejo, Imam AbdulWahab Odejimi, and Adegbola Ismail, also called for immediate intervention, warning that a collapse of the bridge would completely isolate the affected communities.
They appealed to the Ogun State Government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals to support efforts aimed at averting a potential disaster.
Also speaking, the Central Area Chairman in Sabo, Dr. Adekunle Adesola, urged Governor Abiodun to act without delay, stressing that continued neglect could result in avoidable loss of lives and property.
“The condition of this bridge poses a serious danger to residents, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
The protesters therefore demanded an immediate declaration of emergency on the bridge and the commencement of rehabilitation works to restore safe access to their communities.