TRAGEDY: One-way tankers turn Shao expressway into death trap

DDM News

Despite the recent dualization of Shao Expressway in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, serious safety concerns persist.

Kwara State, located in the west-central region of Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups.

It serves as a bridge between the northern and southern parts of the country, offering a unique blend of traditions and histories.

The state capital, Ilorin, is renowned for its harmonious coexistence of different religious communities and serves as a hub for commerce and education.

Kwara is also celebrated for its agricultural contributions and is home to beautiful landscapes and historical sites that attract visitors from various regions.

Tanker drivers frequently flout traffic laws by driving against traffic, turning one-way lanes into high-risk zones for other road users.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) understand that this dangerous practice has led to multiple accidents, injuries, and fatalities on a road meant to ease travel and improve safety.

Daily commuters, students, and workers are now at constant risk due to these reckless actions, which have become alarmingly routine.

Students from Bartholomew College of Health Technology and Kwara State University are regular users of the road and face grave danger.

Residents also depend on the expressway for transportation to work, markets, and other essential activities.

The dualization of the road, intended as a safety upgrade, is being rendered ineffective by lawless drivers, especially heavy-duty tanker operators.

These tankers often carry flammable or hazardous materials, escalating the risk to lives and property when they travel against traffic.

The community has expressed outrage over the continuous threats posed by these traffic violations.

There are growing calls for swift action by the Kwara State Government and federal agencies to curb the menace.

Relevant authorities including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) must intervene urgently.

Residents are demanding the enforcement of strict penalties for any driver caught using one-way lanes illegally.

They also urge the installation of prominent road signs and physical barriers to deter wrong-way driving.

The deployment of dedicated traffic personnel to monitor the expressway daily is now seen as essential.

Moreover, targeted awareness campaigns for tanker and trailer drivers are needed to educate them on the risks of reckless driving.

Community leaders, students, and commuters have voiced concern that continued inaction could lead to further tragedy.

Many believe these accidents are preventable if the authorities act decisively and swiftly.

Shao Expressway was designed to be a symbol of progress, but poor enforcement has turned it into a corridor of fear.

Government silence in the face of repeated crashes and public outcry is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.

Citizens are left to wonder how many more lives must be lost before real change occurs.

All stakeholders government officials, security agencies, and road users have a role in reversing this deadly trend.

It is not enough to construct roads; maintaining safety and order is equally vital to their effectiveness.

The lives of students, workers, and families depend on a collective commitment to road safety and enforcement.

It is time for the government to match infrastructure development with effective regulatory action.

Until that happens, the newly dualized Shao Expressway may remain a death trap instead of a public good.

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