Residents and transport unions in Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, Kwara State, have staged a peaceful protest demanding the urgent restoration of speed breakers removed along the Oko-Olowo section of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway.
Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and concerned community members expressed alarm over the rising cases of fatal accidents since contractors removed the speed breakers as part of an ongoing road project.
Speaking on behalf of the NURTW, Comrade Aliyu Rasheed, representing the state chairman, Alhaji Abdulrasak Ariwoola, described the situation as dire and urged the government to not only reinstall the speed breakers but also construct pedestrian and overhead bridges to improve road safety.
RTEAN State Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Onikijipa, said the speed breakers were lifesaving infrastructure initially installed due to repeated fatal accidents.
He condemned their removal as reckless and called for strict adherence to safety protocols during construction.
Representatives of community associations, Jamiu Sulaimon and Tajudeen Modupe, called on the Federal Government to intervene promptly, warning of further tragedies if urgent steps are not taken.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Our lives matter at Oko-Olowo,” “We voted for peace and progress, not for loss of lives,” and “We want temporary measures now.”
The unions and residents warned that protests would continue on a daily or weekly basis until their demands are met.