Lagos State Task Force has denied allegations that its officials were extorting pedestrians using the Oshodi pedestrian bridge, calling the claims “false and misleading.”
The denial comes after a viral video suggested that officials were collecting tolls from pedestrians, which the Task Force quickly rebuffed.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Task Force clarified that it does not charge tolls on pedestrian bridges.
“Officials of the Lagos State Taskforce and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) are stationed at pedestrian bridges to enforce their usage for public safety and the preservation of human lives, not to extort pedestrians,” Abdulraheem emphasized.
The statement also reassured the public that enforcement agencies have been notified to address any illegal activities. The Task Force urged citizens to report any such instances through the appropriate government channels.
Meanwhile, congestion at the Oshodi pedestrian bridge has worsened since the closure of the main bridge in January 2025 due to safety concerns. The alternative bridge has become overcrowded, leading to public frustration.
To make matters worse, criminals have reportedly been exploiting the situation by extorting money from pedestrians. In response, the Lagos State Government has arrested several suspects involved in the illegal activities and promised to continue monitoring the situation.
The bridge’s congestion, likened to a “bumper-to-bumper jam,” has raised safety and security concerns among commuters. It remains unclear when the main pedestrian bridge will reopen, but the state government is actively working to ease the burden on pedestrians.