The persistent and growing congestion of fuel tankers around the Mojoda–Epe Toll Gate has become a major source of fear and concern for residents, commuters, and road users, as the area increasingly turns into an accident-prone zone with grave implications for lives and property.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Childhood Friend Allegedly Kills Europe-based Returnee in Edo Community
- NJC Screens Out 34 Judge Nominees Over Integrity Issues
- FG Says Sokoto Security Operation Strengthens Economy
For several months, long queues of fuel tankers and heavy-duty trucks have taken over both sides of the road at the toll gate, leaving little or no space for smooth vehicular movement.
The situation has not only disrupted traffic flow but has also turned the once-busy route into a dangerous corridor, especially during peak hours and at night.
Residents and motorists who ply the road daily lament that the indiscriminate parking of tankers has significantly increased the risk of accidents.
The heavy weight of the trucks has also led to noticeable damage to the road surface and weakening the infrastructure, thereby compounding the danger for smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
The fears of the community are not unfounded.
About a year ago, a tragic accident occurred at that axis when a driver reportedly rammed into a truck that was double-parked on the road. The accident claimed the life of a prominent teacher and left several others in critical condition.
That painful incident remains fresh in the minds of residents, serving as a constant reminder of the deadly consequences of poor traffic and parking control in the area.
Beyond the threat to human lives, property owners around the toll gate have also expressed concerns about the safety of their homes, shops, and businesses.
The presence of fuel-laden tankers in close proximity to residential areas raises fears of fire outbreaks, explosions, and environmental hazards that could wipe out entire neighborhoods in the event of an emergency.
Adding his voice to the growing outcry, the Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, the Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija Kingdom, has publicly expressed deep concern over the risks associated with the continuous parking of fuel tankers at the Mojoda–Epe Toll Gate.
The monarch described the situation as a ticking time bomb and called on the Lagos State and Ogun State Governments to urgently intervene before another tragedy occurs.
The traditional ruler has specifically appealed to both state governments and relevant regulatory agencies to provide an alternative trailer park or designated holding bay for fuel tankers and articulated vehicles.
According to him, relocating the tankers to a proper facility away from the main highway will not only restore safety to the road but also protect the lives and properties of people living within the axis.
Community leaders and concerned residents have echoed this call, urging authorities such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and other security agencies to step up enforcement against illegal parking while long-term solutions are put in place.
As traffic volume continues to increase along the Epe corridor due to rapid development and industrial activities, the situation at the Mojoda–Epe Toll Gate demands urgent and coordinated action.
Stakeholders warn that failure to address the tanker congestion could lead to more avoidable accidents, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
For now, residents remain hopeful that the intervention of government authorities will come swiftly, turning the Mojoda–Epe Toll Gate from a danger zone back into a safe and functional roadway for all.
