The deplorable state of roads at Doyin, Orile Iganmu, in Lagos has given rise to a troubling trend of traffic robberies, causing distress among commuters who fall victim to the activities of miscreants taking advantage of the situation. The road has been in a dilapidated condition for over four months, with little progress made by the state government towards its repair.
The once bustling axis of Lagos State has now become a nightmare for motorists, as teenage robbers armed with dangerous weapons roam the area. The absence of effective police presence has allowed these daredevils to operate freely both day and night.
The criminals exploit the worsening traffic gridlock caused by the severely damaged road near Orile Market. Long queues stretch from the top of the bridge, extending from the National Theatre down to Doyin bus stop, just a short distance away from the busy Orile market.
Deep craters deliberately dug by the hoodlums on the main road at Doyin bus stop cause further delays for vehicles, enabling the attackers to target unsuspecting motorists stuck in the gridlock. At night, the criminals use hoes and diggers to destroy the road, disappearing afterward only to reemerge during traffic jams and prey on motorists.
Reports indicate that the robbers operate in groups of tens or twenties, brutally attacking motorists caught in the traffic build-up. Shockingly, truck drivers are exempted from their attacks, but the robbers threaten them against intervening during their operations.
Numerous commuters and motorists have fallen victim to these criminals, losing valuable possessions like phones, jewelry, and other personal items. Some have been shot and wounded, while others face attacks with dangerous weapons.
The criminal activities are mostly perpetrated by teenage cult group members who fight for dominance after robbing motorists along the bridge. The streets most affected by this menace include Memudu, Ipaja, Igbehinadun, Savage, Chemist Bus stop, Coker Bridge, Alagba, Ojuafeje Adeleye, among others.
Despite the criminal activities being carried out openly, police presence in the area seems to be ineffective. The hoodlums operate with impunity, leading to incidents like the attack on Orile Police Station during the EndSARS protests.
Residents and commuters, living in fear due to the rising crime rate, are calling on the government to take immediate action in fixing the bad portion of the road. They believe that improving the road conditions will help alleviate the traffic gridlock and reduce opportunities for miscreants to rob motorists.
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