The Oyo State Government has begun the demolition of illegal structures and the removal of trucks parked indiscriminately along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway. The operation, which started on Thursday, aims to address safety concerns and prevent hazards along the busy highway.
During the enforcement exercise, the Executive Assistant on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd.), told journalists that the move was necessary to prevent accidents and other risks caused by illegal activities in the area.
“This enforcement is crucial to prevent loss of lives and the dangers posed by indiscriminate trailer parking on the highway,” Odukoya stated. He also noted that the exercise would continue, as previous warnings had been ignored by those involved.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (retd.), described the operation as a joint effort involving multiple government agencies. He noted that the illegal structures and parked trucks were not only creating environmental problems but also posing security threats, particularly at the entry point of the state.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Diesel Sellers Association, Abass Ademola, reacted to the development by appealing to the government to provide an alternative location for those affected. He warned that the enforcement could lead to unemployment and an increase in security challenges if those displaced were not given new places to operate.
The exercise was carried out by a combined task force, including officials from OYRTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), environmental officers, Operation Burst, Amotekun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
