Robbers On The Rampage As Lagos Collapsed Bridge Causes Gridlock

Armed men have started seizing the opportunity of the gridlock being caused by the collapsed section of the Ijora-Olopa Bridge in Lagos to dispossess unsuspecting motorists and passers-by of their valuables.

PUNCH Metro reports that a portion of the bridge caved in on Tuesday and traffic was quickly diverted to the other lane.

The diversion, it was learnt, led to gridlock on the road.

Our correspondents who visited the area on Thursday gathered that hoodlums had been attacking motorists inside the gridlock, especially towards the evening.

It was further learnt that the miscreants target their victims’ phones, money and other valuables.

An eyewitness, who did not want his name mentioned because of fear of victimisation, said some hoodlums attacked a lady in the traffic with a knife and dispossessed her of her belongings on Wednesday.

He said other victims were saved by some soldiers who were passing by at the time of the attack.

The source said, “A lady was robbed yesterday (Wednesday) night. She was in her car and the armed robbers pulled out a knife to frighten her, and unfortunately, she was dispossessed of her belongings on the spot.

“The robbers used the knife to injure her on the face and she was soaked in blood.

“Four armed robbers in a tricycle also attempted to rob a man, but the attack was foiled because some soldiers were passing by. The robbers fled the scene on sighting the soldiers.”

Another road user, while corroborating the source’s claim, called for more caution while plying the road.

He also called on the government to speed up the rehabilitation work on the collapsed section.

“There is a need for total repair of the bridge. When walking or driving on the bridge, one must also be conscious so as not to be robbed,” he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached for comment on Thursday as calls made to his mobile phone rang out and a message sent to his telephone had yet to be responded to as of the time this report was filed.