Once celebrated as an iconic infrastructural project in Delta State, the Koka Flyover in Asaba, the state capital, has been in the news as a notorious hideout for hoodlums, sparking fear among residents and business owners in the area.
It was learnt that in recent months, the Koka bridge and its surrounding corridors have become a haven for criminal elements that operate without restriction. “What should be a symbol of modern development has gradually turned into an eyesore and a daily reminder of the failure of those responsible to safeguard the critical infrastructure”, a source told The Pointer. He described night time as a nightmare, saying “criminals lurk in the shadows, robbing unsuspecting passers-by and sometimes, attacking motorists caught in traffic. A Passerby said moving close to the bridge after dusk is “an invitation to trouble,” as cases of phone snatching, harassment and attacks abound.
“Ministries and security agencies expected to protect, maintain and sanitize such critical public infrastructure should do the needful”, he said.
According to this concerned resident,, the situation is particularly disturbing considering the resources that went into constructing the Koka Flyover. “The infrastructure was intended to ease traffic, beautify the capital city and enhance safety, not become a den of criminals.”
He said officials in charge of overseeing and managing the edifice should either rise to their responsibilities or be replaced for allowing hoodlums take over the strategic location.“The bridge is now an eyesore and at night, it becomes a danger zone,” lamented another resident who said she travels through the Koka area daily. “This is unacceptable. Government must regain control of Koka Bridge before the situation worsens.”
She called for surveillance, better sanitation and flushing out criminal elements to ensure safety for all.
“Unless urgent steps are taken, the Koka Bridge may continue to pose a serious threat to the peace and security of the state capital”, she warned.
