Residents of Dutse and Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are appealing to Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene and implement urgent measures to address the rising number of trailer accidents at the Tipper Garage Junction along the Dutse-Bwari road.
Their call comes in the wake of a devastating accident that claimed the lives of over 15 people two weeks ago.
The community is growing increasingly alarmed by the frequency of accidents at this junction, which they attribute to heavy trailer traffic and inadequate safety measures.
Abdullahi Mohammed, a resident of Dutse said, “Every time I drive through this junction, I feel a sense of dread. The situation has become untenable. We cannot afford to lose more lives; the accident that happened two weeks ago shook us to our core.”
Many residents are advocating for the construction of an overhead bridge at the junction, which they believe would mitigate the risks associated with brake failures in trailers.
Mr Isreal Okechukwu, another concerned resident and civil engineer said, “An overhead bridge is urgently needed here. It would help manage the heavy trailer traffic and protect motorists and pedestrians alike.
“We need a solution that will save lives and prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
Okechukwu who frequently uses the Dutse-Bwari route, also called for infrastructure improvements in the area.
“I have seen too many accidents at this junction. Just last month, a family lost their lives because a trailer failed to brake properly. This cannot continue. An overhead bridge would greatly enhance safety for everyone on the road,” he said.
Residents of the area who are planning to circulate petitions within the community on the way forward to avert future accidents at the junction, urged immediate action from the FCT administration.
“We hope Minister Wike takes our pleas seriously. We need to see concrete steps taken to ensure our roads are safe. We are calling on him to prioritise this issue. Lives are at stake,” he said.
In addition to the call for an overhead bridge, residents are advocating for increased traffic regulation and enforcement.
Another resident, Comfort Iliya said,
“We need more traffic police on the ground to monitor vehicle speeds and ensure that trailers operate safely in the area.
“Without proper enforcement, any measures we take will be ineffective. We cannot afford to mourn any more lives. It is time for the government to act before we face another tragedy.”
As the community awaits a response from the FACT Minister, they remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that swift action will be taken to improve safety at the Tipper Garage Junction.
