FCT residents share concern over risky crossing of highways, frequent deaths

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Crossing major highways without utilizing pedestrian bridges has become a routine activity across Abuja and surrounding areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In several locations such as Gwarinpa, Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Berger, NICON Junction, Wuye, Nyanya, and Mararaba in neighboring Nasarawa State, residents often ignore available pedestrian bridges.

Instead of serving their intended purpose, many of these overpasses have been turned into makeshift markets, spots for displaying goods, or even temporary shelters for the homeless.

This ongoing disregard for pedestrian infrastructure has led to numerous fatal incidents, as individuals choose to cross busy roads at ground level, putting their lives at serious risk.

In some tragic cases, the absence of a footbridge at key points has left pedestrians with no safe crossing alternative. One such incident occurred in April when a young man was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle while attempting to cross the expressway at Berger Junction. Reports indicated that his workplace was just across the road, and there was no footbridge nearby.

Another fatal case took place in early May at Galadimawa Junction on the Kubwa Expressway. A young man opted to dash across the road despite the presence of a footbridge. He was fatally hit by a fast-moving vehicle.

According to witnesses, the driver involved in the Galadimawa incident said he did not notice the pedestrian in time, explaining that he assumed no one would cross where a footbridge was clearly available. His account helped calm a crowd that had gathered and nearly turned hostile. Nearby police officers at the scene advised the public to always make use of footbridges to prevent such tragedies.

Pedestrian bridges are vital safety components in urban road systems, particularly in high-traffic areas, yet many residents neglect them. This behavior not only endangers lives but also disrupts traffic flow.

Despite expressways being divided by concrete barriers to deter crossings on foot, many people still climb over them, often losing their balance in the middle of the road, putting both themselves and oncoming drivers in danger.

In response to the rising fatalities, the Uche Collins Foundation—a Non-Governmental Organisation—has called for increased collaboration with authorities to raise public awareness on the proper use of pedestrian bridges.

The foundation expressed concern that these critical safety structures are being misused or viewed as mere urban fixtures, rather than life-saving infrastructure for pedestrian safety.

“As an NGO, we feel the need to increase sensitisation and awareness of this public facility, hence reaching out to good spirited individual, organisations to partner with us in driving this message,” the Foundation said.

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Conversations with residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reveal that many are fully aware of the dangers associated with crossing highways without using pedestrian bridges.

Despite acknowledging the risk, some admitted to opting for the unsafe method when pressed for time—especially when heading to work or attending urgent engagements. They noted that using the footbridges often feels inconvenient or time-consuming.

Peter Adebayo, a resident of Nyanya who lives close to one of the pedestrian bridges, described the behavior as “open-source to death,” emphasizing that those who ignore the bridges are knowingly putting their lives on the line.

“If you cross the expressway without using the pedestrian bridge, it sometimes leads to accidents because the highways are meant for vehicular movement and not for footpaths.

“Residents who engage in the practice risk their lives, especially during rush-hours in the morning.

“Highway is a motor lane at high speed and it is not safe to cross the highway on foot, those crossing because they are in a hurry are endangering their lives.

“I usually take my time whenever I wanted to cross the expressway because I think it is the safest thing for me to do, though on the other hand the government is also endangering the citizens because they site pedestrian bridges at the wrong place, even to trek from bus stops to pedestrian bridge is another journey and I think that’s why people usually cross the highway because they don’t have the required time to cover up,” he stated.

Similarly, a resident of Kugbo in Abuja, Mr. Ola Abiola, voiced his concerns about the placement of pedestrian bridges in the city, blaming both the government and contractors for constructing them in locations where they serve little practical use.

According to Abiola, many of the footbridges, such as the one in Wuye, are not strategically located. He urged the authorities to improve oversight on projects that directly affect public safety.

In another instance, Ephrain Ager, who was observed crossing the busy Musa Yar’Adua Expressway near the Airport Road, acknowledged that his action was unsafe when asked about the risk involved. He explained that pedestrians often take such chances because some bridges are positioned nearly a kilometer away from the nearest bus stop.

“Yes, we have seen many people lose their lives here on this road,” he said.

Conversely, Ngozi Nnanna emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety, regardless of how far the bridges may be.

“I’m using the pedestrian bridge because it’s the safer option,” she said. “What’s the point of building these structures if people refuse to use them?”

A taxi driver, Ikechukwu Ubani, also weighed in, noting that many pedestrians underestimate the speed at which vehicles approach on major roads.

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Ubani said, “They usually think moving vehicles are far but not knowing that the distance can be covered in a few seconds and they run into the road and they get hit.”

Attempts to get comments from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on efforts to enforce mandatory use of pedestrian bridges and address the concerns of residents were unsuccessful, as multiple calls to the office went unanswered.

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