The installation of an iron gate on a pedestrian bridge across the railway line at Ikeja Along, opposite Ajayi Farm Bus Stop in Lagos, has generated controversy among residents and commuters.

Findings by our correspondent indicate that the gate was installed by the Anifowoshe Landlords/Residents Association with the approval of the Ikeja Local Government.

Under the new arrangement, effective April 1, the gate will open to commuters at 5:00 a.m. and close at 11:30 p.m.

Some residents who spoke with our correspondent defended the move, describing it as a community-driven security measure in response to concerns about crime in the area. Others maintained that crossing the highway late at night poses safety risks, citing high vehicle speeds and the potential for accidents.

A commuter, Mr. Saheed, said, “This Ikeja Along bridge is the only pedestrian access from Ikeja Along to Awolowo Way, Anifowoshe, Oba Akran, Adeniyi Jones, and vice versa. It’s an infringement on the right of movement for this access to be restricted to footers anytime.”

Another commuter, Ms. Chisom, lamented, “So if for any reason I drop off public transport at 11:45 pm, and have to use this bridge to access Anifowoshe, I’ll be stranded, right? This is a place one doesn’t need to loiter around when it’s late. So if I can’t pass through after 11:30 pm, only God will save me.”

In another sharp argument, Mr. Micheal said, “The atrocities that have been going on there at night deserve the place to be locked. That’s a good one, for security and safety reasons.”

An SOS appeal written by a concerned user lamented that the Iron Gate installation has restricted public access, posing safety and emergency risks.

It said, “I write to formally report an unauthorized installation of an iron gate on a Federal Pedestrian Bridge across the railway line located at Ikeja Along, opposite Ajayi Farm Bus Stop, Lagos.

“This bridge is a federal public infrastructure, meant for unrestricted pedestrian use.

“The installation of an iron gate by individuals or a community group has restricted public access, posed safety and emergency risks, and appears to have been carried out with approval from the Ikeja LG authority.

“I am aware that railway assets and pedestrian bridges fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and as such, any structural modification or access control should only be executed with official authorization.

“For your assessment, photographs showing the Iron Gate and its location are attached as evidence. I respectfully request that:

1. The situation needs to be investigated urgently.

2. Necessary action should be taken to restore unrestricted public access.

3. Appropriate measures should be implemented to address any genuine safety concerns through official channels.”

Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Olalekan Oni, said: “First, the infrastructure in question is owned by the Lagos State Government, not the Nigerian Railway Corporation nor the Federal Government, as erroneously claimed.

“The assertion that it falls exclusively under federal jurisdiction is therefore factually incorrect. Second, the decision leading to the installation of the gate was not arbitrary, clandestine, or unlawful.

“It was a sequel to a stakeholders’ engagement involving the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), representatives of the affected community, and the Local Government Council.

“This engagement became necessary following the cordoning of the railway tracks and the growing security concerns within that corridor.

“For years, that corridor has gained notoriety for criminal activities, including robbery, pickpocketing, rape, vandalism, and other violent acts.

“Residents, commuters, and particularly community youths have been the primary victims of these recurring crimes. The situation demanded proactive intervention.

“It is on record that within the past year, the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke facilitated the installation of 20 solar-powered streetlights along the corridor in an effort to improve visibility and security.

“Shockingly, within three months, all 20 streetlights were vandalized and completely removed, including poles, pipes, and electrical components. This underscores the severity of the security challenge in that location.

“The gate was therefore erected as a security measure, aimed strictly at safeguarding lives and property, which remains the primary constitutional responsibility of government, including the Local Government.

“The measure was taken in good faith, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and in response to persistent threats to public safety.

“It is both disappointing and professionally appalling that such weighty allegations were made without verification from the Landlords’ Association, the Community Development Association (CDA) leadership, the Local Government authority, LAMATA, or even the community youth who bear the brunt of the criminal activities in that corridor.

“The safety and welfare of Ikeja residents remain paramount to this administration. Any intervention undertaken is guided by law, stakeholder engagement, and the overriding objective of protecting lives and property. We remain open to constructive dialogue, but we firmly reject misrepresentation of facts.” (The Nation)

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