Metro

Motorists Alarmed As Potholes Litter Third Mainland Bridge

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2023

The deplorable condition of the Third Mainland Bridge, in Lagos State, has become a source of concern, as motorists, who ply the ever-busy bridge connecting Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, are alarmed by the presence of large potholes that have taken over almost the entire length of the bridge on both sides.

The bridge, which is about 12 kilometres long, begins at the Oworonshoki end of the Mainland and terminates at the Adeniji Adele Interchange, on Lagos Island, had previously witnessed various rehabilitation works at different periods since it was commissioned in 1990.

The last rehabilitation work was carried out on April 2, 2023, by the Lagos State Government.

A former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Dr Frederic Oladeinde had said: “The government was meant to repair identified failed/peeled asphaltic sections.

“Though the bridge fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, it had to move in to repair the inbound and outbound sections along the University of Lagos axis, due to vehicular tailback and the danger posed by the level of damage to motorists.”

During these periods of rehabilitation works, motorists plying the dual carriage bridge were subjected to untold hardship following the diversion of traffic from the bridge to alternative routes which made them spend several hours to get to their destinations every day.

However, despite all of these interventions, the bridge has continued to witness one form of degradation or the other.

Driving on the bridge, yesterday, showed that large potholes of various sizes had taken throughout the bridge, between the Obalende end and to Adekunle end, on both sides. Coming from the Mainland to the Island through Ebute Meta, the potholes are conspicuously noticeable.

They are also noticeable while approaching the bridge from Ebute Meta.

But commenting on the deplorable condition of the bridge, a civil engineer, Mr Victor Oyenuga, who said he hardly drives through the bridge, said: “However, I have just been reliably informed that work will soon start for its repairs. I think the issue may not be as serious as people are painting it. As I said earlier, I haven’t been in that area recently.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi had announced plans for another round of emergency repairs of the bridge due to the level of deterioration.

Umahi said this during his inspection of ongoing federal road projects and the three bridges connecting Lagos mainland and Lagos Island in August 2023.

The Minister disclosed that a contractor would soon be mobilised to the site, to work between midnight and 4 am. in the morning on the bridge for minimal stress on motorists.

Metro

Kwara Traditional Ruler Kidnapped On His Farm

Published

11 hours ago

November 30, 2025

Editor

Gunmen have reportedly abducted a traditional ruler in Bayagan community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ojibara of Bayagan Oba Kamilu Salami, on Saturday.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler was kidnapped Saturday morning on his farm, while details of the incident were still sketchy.

Eyewitness disclosed that the attack happened suddenly and left the community in apprehension and confusion. Meanwhile, the incident had triggered fresh concerns over cases of insecurity across the country.

The Kwara State Police command was yet to confirm the incident as at when filing this report.

Metro

Sokoto Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Uncover WhatsApp Recruitment Channel

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the notorious “Sai Malam” cult group, believed to be behind rising criminal activities in parts of the state.

The suspects, including the alleged gang leader Usman Shu’aibu, were apprehended on Friday during an intelligence-led operation executed by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the suspects confessed to being initiated into the group through a private WhatsApp platform called Red Chamber.

The police noted that further investigation discovered the social media channel was created to recruit unsuspecting youths into criminal activities.

These, according to the statement, include ritual practices, the pursuit of supposed demonic powers, acts of homosexuality, and violent thuggery.

The police warned parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities closely, noting that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to lure vulnerable youths.

Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests respond directly to public concerns about the group’s operations, adding that efforts are ongoing to track other fleeing members.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

In other news, two persons suspected to be hoodlums have been arrested by the operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly stabbing a police officer to death in Akure, the state capital.

The suspects, identified as Shina Jacob, 25, and Felix Olalekan, 32, allegedly attacked the police inspector during an altercation at Oke-Arata within Arakale axis.

The killing of the police officer came a few days after a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was stabbed to death by a mentally unstable man in Oba-Ile area of Akure.

According to sources, after the inspector, who was recently transferred from the Anti-Cultism Unit to B-Division, was stabbed, the area was thrown into a state of panic as residents and traders hurriedly fled.

While confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the officer was rushed to the hospital after he was stabbed but gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.

“An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response.

“Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident. They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 years and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32 years.

“The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment. The follow-up operation conducted last night formed part of the Command’s sustained and strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public safety,” Ayanlade stated.”

Metro

Army, Air Force Crush ISWAP Fighters After Failed Chibok Attack

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

Troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai, on Saturday stopped a major attack by ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters in Chibok, Borno State, before the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) moved in with airstrikes that killed many of the fleeing terrorists.

The report was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the update, more than 300 terrorists launched a coordinated assault on Chibok around 3:00 a.m., attempting to break through military defensive positions.

Soldiers responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a fierce gunfight that lasted about two hours.

A security source quoted in the post said the troops acted swiftly and professionally.

“There was no casualty on our side, and no equipment was affected,” the source said.

As the terrorists began to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle, ground troops called for air support.

NAF combat aircraft were deployed to the route used by the fleeing fighters.

The airstrikes, guided by intelligence from the troops on the ground, hit several clusters of terrorists trying to escape.

Multiple waves of strikes were carried out, with both manned aircraft and an unmanned aerial platform targeting groups of fighters dispersing into the forest.

According to Makama, the combined efforts of the Army and the Air Force dealt heavy blows to the attackers, preventing them from regrouping after the failed offensive.