By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Residents of Sodeke-Titun Ilupeju, Oke Odo, and 22 other communities in the Sabo area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest over the deteriorating condition of a bridge linking their communities to the Lafenwa-Sabo axis.
The protesters urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene to prevent the total collapse of the only access bridge serving the affected communities.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Road, No Bridge, Yet You Tax Us” and “Save Our Communities from Isolation,” the residents decried years of neglect and repeated failed appeals for government action.
Speaking during the protest, the community chairman, Alhaji Kamilu Sanusi, described the bridge as a vital economic and social lifeline for thousands of residents.
He warned that its worsening condition poses serious risks to lives and livelihoods.
“We have written several ‘Save Our Souls’ letters to Abeokuta North Local Government and other relevant authorities, but unfortunately nothing has been done. We can no longer continue to suffer in silence,” he said.
Sanusi said the bridge had become a “death trap,” especially during the rainy season, adding that its condition had forced commercial drivers and motorcyclists to avoid the area.
He explained that residents now trek long distances to access transportation, worsening hardship for traders, commuters, and schoolchildren.
He further disclosed that community members had repeatedly contributed personal funds for temporary repairs, but said the damage had gone beyond what local efforts could fix.
“Residents have on several occasions pooled resources together to carry out palliative works on the bridge, but the extent of the damage is beyond what the community can handle,” he added.
Other residents, including Alhaja Morin Olayinka, Mrs. Bisi Badejo, Imam AbdulWahab Odejimi, and Adegbola Ismail, also appealed for urgent government intervention, warning that a collapse would completely cut off the communities.
They urged the state government, corporate organisations, and public-spirited individuals to assist in preventing a looming disaster.
The Central Area Chairman in Sabo, Dr. Adekunle Adesola, also called on Governor Abiodun to act swiftly, warning that continued neglect could lead to avoidable tragedies.
“The condition of this bridge poses a serious threat to lives and property, particularly during the rainy season,” he said.
The protesters called for an immediate declaration of emergency on the infrastructure and the commencement of rehabilitation works without delay.
