The roads of Saki, once a vital network for economic activity and transportation, have devolved into death traps due to widespread recklessness, inadequate regulation, and weak enforcement of traffic laws.
Concerned citizens are raising urgent alarm bells, calling on the Saki West Local Government, road safety authorities, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and resolute action to stem the tide of fatal accidents.
The increasing loss of innocent lives and damage to public and private property have made it clear that this crisis cannot continue unchecked.
Residents, community leaders, and government officials alike are demanding a swift overhaul of road safety measures, emphasizing that failure to act now will lead to further human and economic devastation.
Saheed Adebayo Ibraheem stated five key areas requiring urgent attention for massive accident reduction ranging from Stricter Enforcement of Traffic Laws, Authorities must impose severe penalties on violators, including Substantial fines for dangerous driving, License revocation for drivers whose negligence results in loss of life, Designated Routes and Timeframes for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
He also noted that significant root cause of reckless driving in Saki is the lack of road safety awareness among commercial drivers, motorcyclists (Okada riders), and even private vehicle operators. He added that many drivers lack formal training and operate without proper knowledge of traffic laws.
To address this, Saheed Ibrahim Adesokan propose Regular driver education programs focused on safe driving practices, mandatory traffic law training for all commercial drivers before issuing licenses, public awareness campaigns to educate road users on speed limits, pedestrian rights, and responsible driving habits, capital punishment for fatal reckless driving
While controversial, some citizens argue that capital punishment or life imprisonment should be imposed on drivers whose recklessness leads to fatalities.
Though this proposal remains highly debated, it underscores the deep frustration and desperation of residents who have watched their loved ones perish due to irresponsible driving.
The Chief of Staff, Saki West Local Government, Oladeji Oluwaseun, acknowledges that a major hurdle in ensuring road safety is the citizens’ disregard for law enforcement.
“Despite multiple by-laws passed by the legislative arm of government lead by Hon. Salaudeen Soliu Abiodun to curb indiscriminate parking and reckless road usage, many residents flout these laws with impunity.”
“One of the most pressing concerns is the conversion of highways into makeshift parking lots by traders and shop owners. Instead of utilizing designated warehouses, they offload goods directly onto the roads, blocking traffic and endangering road users”. He concluded.
Ajeleye Amos, urges the local government to address the root causes of traffic congestion and road misuse through structured urban planning. He highlights the need for designated car parks for roadside businesses to prevent illegal parking, Adequate warehouse facilities to discourage loading and offloading on major roads, Long-term urban development plans to accommodate Saki’s rapidly growing population.
Furthermore, he suggests that the local government could generate revenue by establishing regulated parking facilities, which would not only ease congestion but also serve as an economic asset.
Majeed Tiamiyu, another concerned resident, recalls an early warning from an experienced driver who foresaw the dangers of Saki’s road design.
The Leader of the Saki West Legislative Arm has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns. However, he emphasizes that consistent efforts and enforcement are needed to bring lasting solutions.
However, the responsibility does not lie with the government alone. Citizens must also take ownership of road safety by adhering to traffic laws, reporting reckless driving and road misuse, raising awareness about responsible road behavior.
