In the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, a disturbing trend has emerged where residents have made it a daily habit to cross expressways without using pedestrian bridges. This practice is not only limited to the capital city but also extends to its environs, including areas like Gwarinpa, Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Berger, NICON junction, Wuye, Nyanya, and Mararaba, which is located in the neighboring state of Nasarawa.
The consequences of this reckless behavior have been devastating, with many lives lost as a result of pedestrians venturing onto the expressway instead of using the designated bridges. In some cases, the victims had no choice but to cross the expressway due to the absence of a pedestrian bridge at the point they needed to cross. For instance, in April, a young man on his way to work was knocked down and killed by a vehicle while trying to cross the expressway at Berger Junction. Similarly, in May, another young man was killed by a fast-moving vehicle while attempting to cross the expressway at Galadimawa Junction.
The pedestrian bridges, which are meant to ensure safety on the roads, have instead become markets, display stands, and resting places for homeless persons. Residents have opted to jump over concrete barricades and risk their lives by crossing the highway, often with tragic consequences. The Uche Collins Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has expressed concern over the situation and is seeking partnerships to increase awareness and sensitization on the use of pedestrian bridges.
Residents have cited various reasons for not using the pedestrian bridges, including the distance between bus stops and the bridges, which can be up to 1 kilometer. Some have argued that using the bridges can be stressful and time-consuming, especially for those in a hurry to get to work or attend to urgent matters. However, others have emphasized the importance of prioritize safety, noting that the risk of crossing the expressway far outweighs any perceived inconvenience.
Peter Adebayo, a resident of Nyanya, described the act of crossing the expressway without using a pedestrian bridge as “open-source to death.” He emphasized that highways are designed for vehicular movement, not foot traffic, and that residents who engage in this practice are putting their lives at risk. Another resident, Ngozi Nnanna, stated that safety should always come first, regardless of the distance between bus stops and pedestrian bridges.
Taxi driver Ikechukwu Ubani observed that pedestrians often underestimate the speed of moving vehicles on the express roads, which can cover large distances in a matter of seconds. He noted that this can lead to tragic consequences, as pedestrians may run into the road and get hit by oncoming vehicles.
Despite efforts to reach out to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for comment on measures to enforce the use of pedestrian bridges, no response was received. The lack of action from the authorities has raised concerns among residents, who are calling for greater awareness and enforcement to prevent further loss of life. As the situation continues to worsen, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address this critical issue and ensure the safety of pedestrians in Abuja and its environs.
