THE LAGOS-ABEOKUTA Expressway was on Thursday morning free of the usual heavy vehicular traffic as the much-touted hardship protest commenced in some parts of Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the expressway was almost not traversed as very few vehicles were observed on the highway.
NAN reports the BRT terminals along the corridor, usually brimming with people, were empty.
The bus stops at Super, Abule-Egba and Iyana-Under Bridge were absent.
Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at Ahmadiyya Bus Stop
A resident of Ahmadiyya in Abule Egba, Mrs Abiola Awoyemi, told NAN that many residents stayed away from the roads over fear that the protest could turn violent.
She said those who tried to go to their offices and other places could not vehicles to their various destinations.
“Everywhere is empty, no vehicle, people are scared to come out. We cannot go anywhere now. Our nation needs prayers, Awoyemi said.
She urged government at all levels to do its best reduce the hardship that prompted the protest.
“The inflation is too high, the fuel price is too high, food is no longer affordable. Our leaders must do something fast to alleviate the sufferings,” Awoyemi said.
Also speaking, Mr Bayo Olufemi, a Public Servant, told NAN at Abule Egba Under-bridge that the protest had affected vehicular movement and commercial activities.
Olufemi, who also visited the BRT terminal at the popular Super Bus Stop also said it was deserted.
“There are no commercial buses, no private vehicles on the road. Everyone is scared of violence. Even the popular Justrite mall and Katankwa market are closed.
“As you can see, only police men are here Under-bridge) and few people. The protest might still hold.
“I will advise the government to do its best to alleviate sufferings”, he said.
NAN also reports that businesses in Egbeda and Iyana Ipaja and Ikotun areas of the state were closed.
There was heavy security around Ikotun Roundabout as some youths were seen in groups discussing the protest.
Banks, filling stations and organisations in the areas did not open for business in Egbeda, Iyana Ipana even as Armoured Personnel Carriers were stationed at Iyana Ipaja to check any threat to peace (NAN).
