By Princess Amodu
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in collaboration with members of Apata Community undertook repairs of a “death trap” Gadabiu Bridge along Obajana-Lokoja road in Kogi State.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Olu of Apata, Oba Fredrick Balogun initiated the repair considering the colossal loss of lives and property along the highway.
The Monarch said the bridge has always been in bad shape because of the high volume of traffic along the road which demands immediate attention to avoid crashes and loss of lives and property.
“We lost so many of our community members on this road particularly this very spot or bridge due to its dilapidated nature.
“As a leader and royal father, the welfare of my people is paramount, especially any area where they are suffering.
“It’s so pathetic and quite unfortunate that my Community and the country as a whole has lost precious innocent lives of road users, both motorists and pedestrians to this very bad spot.
“Therefore, if this road goes bad and it’s not quickly fixed, it becomes a death trap especially as it’s the only good road that links the North with the South.
“This is exactly what gingered me to synergise with FRSC and even Dangote Group, to ensure that the bridge is fixed to avert Carnages on the busy Obajana- Lokoja road,” he explained.
Balogun noted, “goverment alone can’t do everything for us, which explains why I and my subjects always rise to the occasion once we noticed that the bridge has gone bad again.”
The Olu of Apata, however, called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Kogi Road Maintenance Agency to step up efforts at helping in repairs and maintenance of the bridge and the entire highway.
He thanked the Unit Commander, Zariagi FRSC Unit Command, ACC Moses Odogiyon, and his Officers and men for the support and cooperation rendered at fixing the Gadabiu bridge at last.
The Mornach appealed to motorists to always exercise patience while on the highway especially when they get to the repaired bridge, which he said has become a death trap.
On his part, Odogiyon, expressed gladness that at last they have been able to fix the bridge, which would go a long way in averting further carnages on the highway.
“I am so glad this bridge is fixed today, Wednesday, March 9, 2022 considering the five fatal accidents recorded in just a short time of my arrival in this unit command in late December, last year.
“We are very grateful to the Olu of Apata for this patriotic gesture of saving lives and property that move across this bridge on daily basis,” he stated.
