For thousands of commuters travelling through Lagos on Wednesday, an already difficult journey became even more frustrating after a multiple-vehicle crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway caused severe traffic congestion stretching several kilometres.
The accident, which occurred at Otedola inward Berger, involved three trucks and a car, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The incident happened shortly before Otedola Bridge, a section of the expressway known for heavy vehicular movement and recurring traffic disruptions.
LASTMA said its officers immediately moved to the scene to begin rescue operations and clear the affected vehicles from the roadway. In a statement shared on its official X platform, the agency noted that emergency responders were deployed to manage the situation and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
The latest crash further aggravated congestion on a corridor that had already experienced significant delays in recent days. Motorists travelling from various parts of Ogun State and Lagos were forced to endure long hours in traffic as vehicles piled up along the route. Traffic reportedly stretched back toward the Lagos Toll Gate, leaving commuters stranded and disrupting business activities.
The development comes barely a day after another major accident around the Kara Bridge section of the expressway created widespread gridlock that lasted for more than 14 hours. That incident occurred amid ongoing repair works on the highway, a project aimed at improving road conditions but which has also contributed to traffic challenges in the area.
Transportation experts have repeatedly warned that accidents involving articulated vehicles remain one of the major causes of traffic disruptions on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The route serves as a critical economic corridor linking Lagos with several states across the country and carries thousands of commercial and private vehicles daily.
Authorities have also expressed concern about the actions of some motorists who drive against traffic during periods of congestion. Such practices often worsen traffic conditions and increase the risk of additional accidents.
While no casualty figures were immediately released following the Otedola crash, officials continued efforts to clear the wreckage and ease the traffic situation. Motorists were advised to remain patient, obey traffic regulations and cooperate with emergency responders managing the affected section of the highway.
Deborah Adeyefa
Source: Punch
Troops Rescue 31 Kidnap Victims, Eliminate Terrorist Kingpin in North-West Operations
The military has recorded another success in its ongoing counterterrorism campaign in the North-West, rescuing 31 kidnapped victims and neutralising two terrorists, including a suspected notorious kingpin, during coordinated operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The operations were carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, following intelligence reports on the activities of armed groups operating in the region. Military authorities said the interventions formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnapping, banditry and attacks on rural communities.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops were first deployed to Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State after reports emerged that terrorists had abducted residents from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities.
The soldiers launched a pursuit operation that resulted in an exchange of gunfire with the abductors. Following the confrontation, 10 kidnapped victims were rescued. Those rescued included three men and seven women, among them an infant.
In a separate operation carried out in Kebbi State, troops responded to reports of another abduction in Fafala Village, located in Kangiwa Local Government Area. Security personnel engaged the attackers and successfully rescued 21 victims who had been taken from the community.
The military also reported significant breakthroughs against suspected terrorist leaders. On September 15, troops operating in Katsina State killed two terrorists during a security operation. Among those neutralised was Abbah Alhassan, identified by authorities as a notorious terrorist kingpin linked to criminal activities in the region.
Two additional suspects believed to be associates of another wanted kingpin known as Mannori were arrested. Security forces recovered several items during the operations, including ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing, a cutlass and quantities of Indian hemp.
The North-West has remained one of Nigeria’s most challenging security theatres, with communities frequently targeted by armed groups involved in kidnapping for ransom and other violent crimes. Military authorities said operations would continue until criminal elements were denied safe havens across the region.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations against terrorists and kidnappers.
