Metro

Commuters Stranded As NLC, Residents Protest State Of Lagos-Abeokuta Highway

Published

4 years ago

October 6, 2021

… Threaten A Shutdown

Commuters were on Wednesday stranded as the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as well as residents of Sango Ota took to the street to protest the poor condition of roads in the area.

The protesters gave the Federal and Ogun State governments a 21-day ultimatum to fix the Lagos-Abeokuta highway.

They also threatened to shut down the entire state by leading a mass protest, should the governments fail to fix the road at the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum.

Members of the NLC and those of Ota Progressive Youth Initiative thronged the highway, expressing their grievances over the poor condition of the road.

Armed with placards bearing inscriptions like: “Repair our road with immediate effect or face the wrath of the masses”, “Our roads are death traps,” “Fix our roads, No good roads, No payment of tax”, “Industries in Ota are relocating and closing down due to bad roads” among others, they shutdown highway from Joju bus stop, leaving dozens of road users stranded.

The protest, the second in recent times, is coming in spite of assurances from the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Governor Dapo Abiodun that construction works would soon commence on the road.

Speaking, the Chairman of Ogun NLC, Bankole Emmanuel, lamented that in spite of Gov Abiodun and Fashola’s on-the-spot assessment visits to the road, nothing had been done.

Bankole said, “A few weeks back, the Governor and the Minister were here, telling us that they will commence the reconstruction of the road. We are surprised that since when they came, not even a single tipper of gravel has been put on the road.

“This implies that they can’t do anything, they are just fooling us, they don’t have any plan for us. At this juncture, we need to need to withdraw our destiny from them.”

Bankole lambasted politicians, saying “they don’t have any good plan for us.”

The NLC boss recalled that Ogun people voted for the All Progressives Congress, both at national and state levels for peace to reign in the nation, regretting that “unfortunately it continues getting worst day by day.”

“If they want to defend themselves, they will start saying one is Federal Government road, the other is State Government road. Did they tell us this before the election?

“We give them 21 days ultimatum to start working on it or else, we will shut down the whole of Ogun State while everyone seat at home since they are not ready for us.

“Enough of this system of fooling, they know how to go to nooks and crannies during campaigns but, when roads are bad, they wouldn’t go there.

“Last time, they were saying they were not aware that the roads are bad as this. Since when they were aware, what have they done positively?

“We need them to know our minds. If we keep quiet, they wouldn’t do anything and that is why I’m calling on all citizens to let’s arise and face this struggle,” Bankole submitted.

(DAILY POST)

Metro

ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

Published

5 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.

Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.

Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”

The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.

“We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.

The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.

Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.

Metro

Motorists, Commuters Lament Slow Pace Of Repairs On Benin-Sapele Road

Published

7 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

Residents living on the Benin-Sapele Road axis of the ancient city on Monday decried the slow pace of the ongoing repairs on the highway.

Signs of the failed road stretching from the By-pass axis to the Ologbo-koko Junction began in 2018 due to poor drainage design or failure to maintain drains.

At a stage, the road became near impassable due to political differences between the state government who ought to have done some palliative work, and the Federal Government whose duty it is to rehabilitate the road that linked the west to the South-south corridors.

Signs of relief however set in when the current Edo State Government took over a portion of rehabilitation the road earlier embarked upon by Levant Construction Firm.

However, despite the take over of the portion of the ongoing repairs, there seems to be no tangible improvement.

Lamenting the slow pace of the ongoing repairs, a resident of Ogheghe by the by-pass who identified himself as Igbinovia Lucky, said since he moved into his apartment in 2022, it has been a nightmare coming to the city and going back home at close of work.

According to him, more times are spent on the road especially in the evenings when workers are going back home.

He said most times, a journey which ordinarily should take an average of 30 – 45 minutes, lasts up to 5 or 6 hours.

Also, a transporter, Sunday Ochuko, who ply the road said the bad state of the road has drastically reduced the number of hours and trips per day for drivers.

“The bad state of the road has increased accident risks occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or delay for days. The end results is incidents of theft, livestock being abandoned or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”

According to him, vehicles suffer greater wear and tear with motorists spending more on fuel (due to inefficiencies, slow speeds, detours) and repairs.

“Apart from businesses, individuals are affected. What might be a 1‑hour trip becomes 5‑6 hours. This reduces the number of trips, lowers work hours, and increases delays in supply chains.

“The corridor is vital for trade between Edo and Delta states, but poor road quality makes it harder to move goods efficiently to market, possibly reducing competitiveness”, Ochuko said.

He continued: “Farmers face similar difficulties transporting produce; some goods spoilt or get damaged before reaching markets, thus reducing their incomes, reduced food supply and raising costs.

“Fares for passengers have nearly doubled on the Benin to Sapele route. Transport operators are making fewer trips per day.”

On her part, a fruit seller who buys fruits from Benin to sell in Sapele lamented the delays and losses of goods due to damage, spoilage, or pilferage.

She said due to the bad road, sellers many times have to raise prices because transporters who pass along the road Increased fares.

Metro

Gunmen Kill 12 Forest Guards In Kwara

Published

7 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

Gunmen in central Nigeria have killed at least a dozen guards who protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists, police said.

The attack occurred on Sunday when the attackers raided Oke-Ode, a small town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Kwara state capital, Ilorin.

Police said the armed men “invaded” the area, “shooting sporadically”.

Police and forest security services responded and “discovered 12 lifeless bodies” of the guards. Four others were wounded.

It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were.

But gangs known locally as bandits and jihadists operate out of bases hidden in forests across the northern and central states.

The criminal gangs loot and burn down villages as well as carry out kidnapping for ransom.

The state has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent months, with locals blaming the Mahmuda group, a gang loyal to Mahmud al-Nigeri, a senior leader of the Ansaru terror group.

Ansaru grew out of a 2021 split within the Boko Haram group and the group then allied itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Nigeria’s national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said last month that Ansaru has “urban sleeper cells” and “remote forest bases” in Niger and Kwara states in central Nigeria.

In mid-August, Nigerian authorities announced the capture of al-Nigeri along with fellow Ansaru figure Mahmud Muhammad Usman.

Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for “increased security deployments” to help “roll back the activities of criminals.”