Metro

PHOTOS: Sanwo-Olu Leads Inaugural Ride As Lagos Red Line Begins Operations

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2024

Editor

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially flagged off commercial operations of the Lagos Red Line rail with an inaugural trip from Oyingbo Station to Agbado, a key suburban area on the Lagos boundary.

The historic ride, which took place at exactly 5.20 pm on Tuesday, comes seven months after the completion and commissioning of the rail infrastructure.

Speaking on the project, the governor said this is the second rail system to become operational in less than two years in the state.

The PUNCH reports that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line System earlier began its long-awaited commercial operations in September 2023.

According to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, the 37-kilometre Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado.

A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communication, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, and posted on the agency’s X handle last Thursday stated that the operations will begin October 15.

The LAMATA boss further said the train services would commence daily from Agbado at 6 am.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu, who arrived at Oyingbo Station at 5pm, was met with jubilant crowds, including state officials, lawmakers, corporate executives, journalists, and members of the public who were invited to join the maiden journey.

The governor personally made the boarding announcement, kicking off the service that promises to be a game-changer for public transportation in Lagos.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sanwo-Olu disclosed, “The State is expecting additional rolling stocks for the Red Line next year.

“This will enhance the rapidity of the train service and improve overall efficiency.”

The first stop, four minutes after departure, was Yaba Station, where several passengers alighted to connect to Last Mile services for their final destinations.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu also disclosed this in a late Tuesday night post on his official X account.

According to the post, the train then continued its route, making stops at Mushin, Oshodi, and finally, Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu disembarked with his entourage.

The journey from Oyingbo to Ikeja took just 34 minutes, a significant reduction in commuting time for Lagos residents.

Speaking to reporters at the Ikeja Station, Sanwo-Olu praised the ride as “smooth and outstanding,” highlighting the potential of the Red Line to transform public transportation in Lagos.

“This is an experience that we believe will not only help in solving issues around public transportation in Lagos but will also improve connectivity and reduce the journey time for commuters traversing the city. From here in Ikeja, the train proceeds to Agege before finally halting in Agbado,” the governor said.

He further added, “The general public can now feel what we have done in mass transportation. We have fulfilled our promises, especially on the Red Line, just as we did on the Blue Line.

“From this evening, there will be regular scheduled train services from Agbado to Oyingbo and back.”

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.