By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Worried by the collosal loss of lives and property on Gadabiu bridge, a facility notorious for accident along Obajaja-Lokoja road in Kogi State, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Apata Community members on Wednesday, undertook the repair of the bridge to check further catastrophe.
Our Correspondent reports that the repair was at the initiative of the Olu of Apata, Oba (Dr) Fredrick Balogun in synergy with the FRSC.
The the Oba said the bridge had always been in bad shape because of the high volume of heavy traffic along the road, a development he added demanded immediate attention to reduce road crashes in the area.
“We lost so many of our community members on this road, particularly on this very spot or bridge, due to it’s dilapidated nature,”he recalled.
The royal father said as traditional ruler, the welfare of his people remained paramount in his mind, adding that he was always eager to find lasting solution to their suffering.
The Oba described the physical condition of the bridge as pathetic and quite unfortunate,adding that the the country had also lost precious lives on the bad portion of the road.
“Therefore, if the road goes bad and it’s not quickly fixed, it becomes a death trap to both motorists and commuters, more so that this is the only good road that links the North with the South.
“This is exactly what gingers me to always synergise with FRSC and even Dangote Group, to ensure that the bridge is fixed to avert carnage on the ever busy Obajana- Lokoja road.
“Government alone can’t do everything for us, this explains why my subjects and l always rise to the occasion once we notice that the bridge has gone bad again,” he said.
The Olu of Apata, however, called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Kogi Road Maintenance Agency to step up efforts in repairs and maintenance of the bridge and the entire highway.
While stating that life is precious and valuable, the Oba commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his pragmatic action at ensuring the security and safety of residents of the state,through his good policies and programmes.
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 Oba appealed to motorists to always exercise patience while on the highway, especially when they get to the bridge and described the bridge as a death trap.
Also speaking, Odogiyon, expressed delight that the bridge was fixed at last, adding that the effort would go along way in averting further carnage on such a highway.
“I am so glad that this bridge is fixed today, Wednesday, March 9, considering the five fatal accidents recorded in just a short time of my arrival in this unit as the commander, late December.
“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 said.
Odogiyon also advised motorists to always obey traffic rules and regulations and exercise patient, reminding them that “life has no duplicate”.
“Only those that live that celebrate and enjoy, therefore, don’t let people celebrate in your absence as motorists,” he further advised.
