Vehicular and pedestrian movement was halted early Saturday morning at the Berger end of Lagos State as security operatives barricaded access into the city ahead of the local government elections.
According to The PUNCH, a joint task force comprising officers of the Nigeria Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps and military personnel was stationed at the busy Berger corridor, enforcing movement restrictions declared by the Lagos State Police Command.
As early as 7:30 a.m., long queues of vehicles stretched along the route, with passengers forced to disembark and walk long distances to reach their destinations.
Many commuters expressed displeasure, citing lack of prior knowledge about the movement restrictions. One stranded passenger, who said he had just arrived from Port Harcourt, explained his frustration.
“We didn’t know there was an election today. We just got in from Port Harcourt and we’re heading to Ikeja. It’s surprising that there’s a total roadblock,” he said.
Despite pleading with the officers, the travelers were denied access.
The Lagos Police Command had earlier announced that movement would be restricted between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The election is being conducted to elect chairmen and councillors across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The usually busy Berger axis wore an unusual look as both private and commercial vehicles were turned away, and major roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remained largely deserted.
A resident who identified herself simply as Amaka said, “I didn’t hear any major announcements or see flyers. They should have informed the public more effectively. This is very frustrating.”
Security personnel remained at strategic points, ensuring full compliance with the directive, while some military patrols were seen driving through the area intermittently.
The restriction will remain in place until 3 p.m., after which normal movement is expected to resume.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier urged residents to turn out en masse to vote and assured the public of adequate security throughout the exercise.
