•Okada bridge
Thousands of travelers embarking on Easter celebrations in the eastern region of Nigeria have found themselves stranded at the Okada Bridge in Soko Camp, Edo State, due to a significant crater obstructing the bridge’s passage.
The crater, spanning nearly half of the narrow bridge, has forced motorists into a single lane, exacerbating traffic congestion and creating gridlock that stretches from Okada town to Ore in Ondo State, reports Vanguard.
The dire situation has been compounded by the absence of workers at the bridge repair site, despite a sign proclaiming “Men are at work” near the damaged section. Frustrated travelers have been left to navigate the perilous conditions, with some resorting to trekking long distances across the damaged bridge in search of alternative routes.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for criminal activity, as the gridlock persists into the evening hours.
Travelers fear that the absence of adequate security measures could leave them vulnerable to kidnappers and armed robbers.
Although armed policemen are present to manage traffic on the bridge, the lack of support from agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps has been noted.
Meanwhile, hawkers have seized the opportunity to capitalise on the situation, taking advantage of the stranded travelers by selling their goods along the congested route.
With the Easter holiday underway and travelers eager to reach their destinations, urgent action is needed to address the crater on the Okada Bridge and alleviate the hardships faced by those stranded in transit.
