The need for Alternative means of Transportation

The absence of an effective transport system in several states of Nigeria has left Nigerians to the mercy of dubious transporters. These transporters who are guided by the action and inaction of certain states Governments, have become law onto themselves. Commuters across the federation go through great difficulties and harrowing experiences before reaching their various destinations daily. This is as a result of not only the prohibitive transport fares but also the infiltration of the transport system by criminals.

In some states of the federation, tricycle operators and commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as okada riders, have for some time now, being having a field day exploiting helpless commuters for their benefit and that of the Government. The insinuation is that the affected states covertly sanction the activities of the criminals who have infiltrated the transport system. However, it is worrisome to note that some state Governments have obstinately rejected the popular agitation that okada riders ought to be banned from plying major roads across the country. This is due to the unabating various forms of criminality that have become their stock-in-trade. Sadly, a number of state Governments rely on the revenue generated from this source. Surprisingly, the tricycle operators and okada riders have overwhelmed the transport system to the extent that the Government's docility has become glaring. Indeed, there is an urgent need for regulation of transport fares. The affected state Governments ought to provide an alternative means of transportation that shall be adequate for the large population, so as not to force the citizenry to label Those-in-Charge inhuman and insensitive Interestingly dissatisfaction and disaffection currently pervades the lenght and breadth of the country. Note Take a special and extraordinary interest in the happenings within your community. Complicity and conspiracy in lawlessness, crime, all forms of criminality and evil reside in the neighborhood.

The different Tales Of The Lagos/Ibadan Expressway

Travelers now spend almost the entire journey engaging in prayers for God’s protection while traveling in commercial vehicles and trucks along the Lagos\Ibadan expressway.They pray fervently not to be involved in  ghastly motor accidents that  have now characterized the expressway,among other tales of woe.

Bashed vehicles,blood stains and personal belongings of accident victims littering the road,are now sign posts of the daily tragedy that occurs along the road.

Not long ago,three occupants of a sleek new model black Honda Accord car with Lagos registration number had a collision with a truck.The car somersaulted several times before coming to a halt,while a middle aged man,clad in brown native attire survived the accident with serious bruises,the other two occupants,a lady and another man died instantly.

On the same day,at another spot along the road,some hundreds of meters to Ogere,a town along the expressway,two towing trucks made spirited efforts to rescue another truck,which found its way into a very deep pit,beside the expressway.

Curiously, investigations reveal that it is always celebration time for residents of villages along the road,when trucks conveying consumable and valuable products are involved in accidents.

One of such incidents,was when a petrol tanker fully loaded with petroleum products got involved in a ghastly accident which resulted in the spillage of its contents. Inhabitants of the villages near the scene trooped out in their hundreds to scoop fuel.

Sadly,although the regular and anti-riot policemen are noticeable at different spots on the road,their presence might be to fulfill personal desires, rather than get involved in rescue operations for accident victims and the  arrest of looters at accident spots.

A resident of Sapade,Moshood Ariyo,insists that the poverty in the land has driven a lot of Nigerians into contriving ways of survival.”A number of accidents along the road involving trailers conveying goods,are the handiwork of people with intentions to steal the goods.In the case of accidents involving other vehicles,the thieves rob the victims”,Ariyo disclosed.

He,however called on the law enforcement agencies to check the trend,before it becomes institutionalized.

Investigations also reveal that  trailer and tanker drivers have for a long time now,converted the expressway to garages.Instances abound at Ogere and the Ibafo axis of the road. This, to a great extent has contributed to the road carnage.

Also,the reckless nature of commercial bus drivers already high on intoxicants,has sent the drivers and countless number of passengers to their early graves.

When this magazine visited a number of motor parks including the one at Ojota,Lagos and Iwo road,Ibadan,the urgent need to be intoxicated before embarking on any journey appears to be a major consideration.

This has resulted in passengers continuously controlling the driving style of the drivers all through the journey.

Sadly,the activities of kidnappers and ritualists have contributed a great deal to the almost helpless situation. With their focus on passengers,who cannot afford the transport fares at the various parks,they lower theirs to attract people hanging along the expressway.

Once inside the vehicle,the unsuspecting passengers are driven to unknown destinations,after they might have been hypnotized.There have been several reported cases of abduction for ritual purposes along the expressway.

While some have been fortunate to escape,others have never been seen again,after their abduction.

With the situation already becoming worrisome and frightening, even though the repair work on the expressway has gone a long way to reduce accidents on the road,,it is the hope that the law enforcement agencies would live up to expectation,while passengers look on to God for protection.

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