Lagos IReport Community Hangout Highlights Key Safety Concerns on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway
Mc Ice of Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1fm and Tylvisuals Media director Tolani Yusuf.
The Lagos IReport Lagos–Ibadan Expressway Community recently held a community hangout and engagement session aimed at strengthening unity among members while addressing critical safety and traffic concerns affecting commuters on the expressway.
The event, which took place at Life Centre Hall & Event Centre, was scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM but officially commenced around 3:00 PM due to late arrival of participants. The gathering was formally opened by Ashiwaju Segun Sunmonu Adams (popularly known as SSA), following an opening prayer led by Mr. Lucky Ebhoaye, Director of Life Centre Hall & Event Centre.
The official guest officer for the event was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Warewa Division, Mr. John Ayegbede, who was ably represented by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Police Superintendent Moses Ajayi, alongside two other police officers.
A major highlight of the event was the interactive session where members raised pressing issues affecting the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Key concerns included the need for expansion of joint road repairs, reckless parking by commercial bus drivers at bus stops, and the dangers these actions pose to commuters, often resulting in fatal accidents.
Members also questioned why lifeless bodies are sometimes left unattended on the expressway for long periods. Responding to this, the police explained that delays often occur because authorities are not informed promptly. In many cases, bodies become mutilated or unrecognisable due to hit-and-run incidents and other vehicles unknowingly passing over them, making identification difficult.
The officers further explained that removing a corpse from the highway requires stopping vehicular movement, which poses operational challenges. They shared an instance where an unidentified body was buried near a bridge, only for a woman to later identify the deceased—who turned out to be her husband, a Kenyan journalist—four days later. The body was eventually exhumed and returned to Kenya. They also revealed that transporting corpses to the mortuary attracts a financial cost of about ₦150,000, adding to the burden faced by the police.
Another major topic discussed was the persistent issue of one-way driving. The police officers noted that enforcement can be difficult, especially when certain dignitaries or commercial drivers accompanied by uniformed personnel flout traffic rules. In response, a member suggested the creation of a joint task force comprising all uniformed agencies to effectively curb such violations and eliminate internal interference.
The police emphasized the need for prompt and accurate information from the public to enable swift response during emergencies. Members also proposed stiffer fines and penalties for one-way offenders as a deterrent.
Additional suggestions included holding the hangout more frequently—possibly twice a year or more—and branding the Lagos IReport organisation to promote unity, recognition, a sense of belonging, and a stronger national identity.
The event successfully fostered dialogue between community members and security agencies, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in creating safer roads and a more responsive system for all commuters on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
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