Apamisede Speed Bump: Resident Raises Safety Concerns, Calls for Kogi Government’s Intervention
A resident of Apamisede, Kogi State, Mr. Lawal James, has raised concerns over the construction of a speed bump at Vigilante Junction, before Zango, questioning its necessity and warning of possible road safety and security risks.
James, in a post shared on the KOGIDECIDES WhatsApp group, a prominent socio-political discussion platform in the state, called on the relevant authorities to investigate the construction and intervene before further work is carried out.
He expressed uncertainty over whether the Kogi State Ministry of Works was aware of the project, arguing that the location did not appear to have the usual features that would justify a speed bump.
Questions Necessity of Speed Bump
According to James, the area is relatively quiet, with no school or major market nearby and few pedestrians during the day. He also noted that most houses in the vicinity are located some distance from the road.
He further questioned the decision to construct the speed bump on an ascending section of the road, saying he could not identify a clear reason for its placement at that particular location.
James also raised the possibility of a connection between the construction and a new filling station reportedly nearing completion on the right side of the road. However, he did not establish any link between the two developments.
He argued that speed bumps should be installed where they are necessary to improve road safety, such as near schools, markets, on dangerous slopes or in busy areas with significant pedestrian activity.
Cites Previous Speed Bump Dispute
To support his concerns, James recalled an earlier incident involving a speed bump constructed in front of Harmony Secondary School, which he said was ordered to be dismantled by the office of the then Deputy Governor, Chief Yomi Awoniyi.
He argued that if a speed bump at a location serving a major school could be removed, the justification for installing one in what he described as a quiet and isolated area deserved scrutiny.
Warns of Security, Road Safety Risks
Beyond questioning its necessity, James expressed concern that the speed bump could create additional risks for motorists, particularly at night.
He described the location as secluded, with a hill on the right side of the road, and noted that motorists tend to travel at high speeds along the stretch at night.
According to him, the new obstruction could increase the risk of accidents, especially if motorists encounter it unexpectedly in a poorly visible area.
James appealed to the relevant authorities to examine the project and halt further construction pending a proper assessment of its necessity and safety implications.
As of the time of his post, it was unclear who authorised the construction, whether the relevant state authorities had been notified, or whether a road safety assessment had been conducted.