In a determined move to reinforce safety measures and discourage pedestrians from disregarding designated footbridges, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has apprehended and subsequently arraigned eight individuals for recklessly crossing a highway in the Ojota district of the state. This initiative underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols and utilising the provided pedestrian overpasses.
At a press conference on Thursday held at the Command Headquarters in Bolade-Oshodi, CP Gbemisola Akinpelu (retd), the Corps Marshal of LAGESC, addressed the situation. Akinpelu underscored the significance of conforming to safety regulations and the strategic positioning of pedestrian bridges. However, there remain individuals who appear steadfast in jeopardising their own safety by hastily traversing the highway. Such actions can lead to potentially dangerous “hit-and-run” situations involving swiftly moving vehicles. In response, the agency has adopted a rigorous approach by pursuing legal action against these defiant pedestrians to serve as a potent deterrent to others.
The eight individuals apprehended, identified as Jeff Melu (M), aged 28, Solomon Opemipo (M), aged 25, Segun Moses (M), aged 45, Lazarus Nse (F), aged 24, Samuel Awoyinka (M), aged 26, Jimoh Ibrahim (M), aged 26, Oladoyinbo Seun (M), aged 26, and Eniola Toyib (M), aged 21, were taken into custody and subsequently presented before a Special Offences Court situated in Bolade-Oshodi. They faced a single-count charge connected to their behaviour, which was deemed likely to disturb public order by contravening highway crossing regulations, as stipulated in the Criminal Laws of the State.
Akinpelu disclosed that all eight individuals were found guilty and subsequently sentenced to a period of community service, coupled with monetary fines. This punitive measure seeks to discourage other pedestrians from committing similar infractions. The Corps Marshal took the opportunity to reiterate her call to LAGESC operatives stationed across highways and roads within the state, urging them to take action against pedestrians who ignore the designated pedestrian bridges.
The retired Commissioner of Police underscored the imperative for pedestrians to adhere to the assigned safety structures, reiterating that illegal street traders and hawkers must desist from exhibiting their wares for sale on, beneath, or around bridges designated for pedestrian use. This concerted effort by LAGESC underscores the significance of safeguarding lives while upholding legal standards on Lagos highways.
