Residents and traders along the Abeokuta-Sagamu road in Nigeria are voicing their concerns over the alarming increase in robbery incidents and accidents that have befallen the area. With a lack of illumination during nighttime hours, community members are urging authorities to address these pressing issues and restore safety and security to the region.
Many people, including Tope Olamilekan, a shop owner in her mid-thirties, have fallen victim to robberies. Olamilekan’s shop was burgled overnight due to the lack of functioning street lights. The incident forced her to start her business from scratch, and she eventually relocated across the road. Now, she only displays her goods on a table and packs them away each evening to avoid further losses.
Mrs. Olamilekan’s ordeal is just one example of the rampant crime that has arisen since the LED streetlights on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange Road stopped functioning. Missing cables, damaged poles, and locked generators have left the area in darkness, enabling robbers to prey on vulnerable residents and business owners.
Roadside vendor Juliet Kekong, who has traded at the interchange for over two years, has never witnessed the streetlights functioning properly. She has instead encountered numerous robberies and accidents, often providing help to victims. With the absence of proper lighting, accidents have become common, endangering the lives of drivers and pedestrians alike.
As the situation on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange Road deteriorates, residents and traders are imploring the government to address their concerns. Improving road infrastructure, enhancing security measures, and fixing the streetlights are crucial steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
