“Agege no longer safe” – Mixed feelings for residents as Ambode erects flyover bridge
Residents of Agege, a Lagos suburb, have raised alarm over the increase in criminal activities in the area since the construction of a flyover bridge started in Pen Cinema, and other road constructions in the environs.
The construction of the flyover was commissioned by Governor Ambode to enable ease of traffic for motorists and residents in the area, but mixed feelings have trailed the erection of the bridge.
Residents have lamented the high rate of Indian hemp smokers, robbers and prostitutes in the area.
A resident who identified himself as Joseph Olakunle, told Newsroom that the area is no longer secure for residents as fierce-looking men have taken over their streets.
“Since the state government began constructing the fly over and the roads, criminals have taken over the areas. They have taken advantage of our vicinity because there are some places vehicles don’t play at the moment due to road diversion. So what they do is that they meet in these places, and do whatever they want to do because nobody is seeing them,” Olakunle said.
The resident, an electrician, stressed that the government has failed to provide security in the area, and some hoodlums are riding on that advantage.
Another resident, Bisi Adebayo, a trader along Pen Cinema, claimed the area isn’t safe for commuters who ply the route.
She said, “Agege as it is now is not safe for anyone. Most especially when you are going to work in the morning or returning home. Just on Friday, some thugs broke bottle on a woman’s head while she was returning from work. I think the woman on that day worked night shift and was returning home when she was attacked. The woman lost her possessions.”
One Rasak Akinade said before now, sex workers had no courage to come out of their brothels and stand on the road, seeking prospective customers.
Akinade said, “Ever since the road construction has started, prostitutes are now harassing people on the road. You cannot even walk freely, they start dragging your hands, which is mostly common in the late hours. Some will even lay their hands on your private part, which is what I have experienced before. They have no respect for anyone.”
