By Ọmọsọla Olumide
Following a fatal accident at the Oju-Ore axis of Ota, Ogun State, traders and commuters have been given a 24-hour ultimatum to vacate the surroundings of the ongoing overhead bridge construction in the area.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) after an emergency security meeting convened by the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, in response to the tragic incident.
According to reports, the meeting was attended by key security agencies, including TRACE and the Nigeria Police, alongside representatives of Laralek Construction Company, the firm handling the bridge project.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when a concrete pallet reportedly fell from the overhead bridge under construction and struck three passersby who were waiting to board vehicles. One of the victims sustained severe injuries and was later confirmed dead while being rushed to the hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the TRACE leadership, the Ogun West Zonal Commander, Comdr. Ajibade Adekunle, said the ultimatum became necessary to prevent further loss of lives.
He explained that security agencies immediately moved in to assess the situation and subsequently held a stakeholders’ meeting led by representatives of the Olota of Ota. The meeting included the TRACE Ota Divisional Commander, Comdr. Hammed Salau, officials of Laralek Construction Company, traditional rulers in the area, and leaders of commercial transport unions operating within the axis.
Ajibade disclosed that security agencies have also resolved to resume intensified patrols at identified trouble spots, including Sango Under Bridge, Tollgate, Oju-Ore and Iyana Iyesi, to curb the activities of traders and vehicle owners who flout traffic rules.
“Placing the value of human lives above every other consideration, we collectively agreed to give traders and commuters a 24-hour ultimatum to vacate the surroundings of the overhead bridge at Oju-Ore,” he said.
“After this grace period, any individual found violating the directive will face enforcement actions.”
He added that the measure was aimed at ensuring public safety and allowing construction work to continue without exposing residents and road users to avoidable dangers.
Residents and commuters in the area have been urged to cooperate with authorities, as security agencies intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure full compliance with the safety directive.
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