No fewer than 109 pedestrians were at the weekend arrested across different parts of Lagos for allegedly crossing the highway.
Their arrests came after series of warnings from the state government for people to stop crossing the highway in areas where pedestrian bridges are available.
A combined team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Kick Against Indiscipline officials combed the state on Friday and Saturday, nabbing 102 males and seven females for crossing the express.
It was learnt that the spate of accidents and the accompanying increase in loss of lives , as well as the resurgence of traffic robbers necessitated the operation.
Hence in line with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s policy to instill discipline in the people, it was gathered that the Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni directed the RRS and task force to embark on a special mission to let people know it was a traffic offence to not use the bridges were available.
“This operation is a continuous one. We are saddled with the responsibility to instill discipline into erring individuals to prevent loss of lives and properties.
“This is why we can’t fold our arms seeing many lives being lost for not using the bridges. The state Government wants a safer Lagos and people’s refusal to use the bridges also hinder free flow of traffic on the highways.
“This act of indiscipline will not be allowed in Lagos State any longer. If traffic is allowed to flow freely, the menace of in-traffic robbery cases will become a thing of the past,” said a police source.
