Residents and road users plying the Lafenwa/Rounder/Ayetoro road in Abeokuta, Ogun State, got a respite yesterday as the Nigerian Army began maintenance of the deplorable road.
The long stretch, which has been begging for repairs, leads to 35 Artillery Barracks, Alamala.
The General Commanding Officer (GOC), 81 Division, Lagos, Major General Olu Irefin, flagged off the exercise as part of the civil-military palliative leg of Operation Crocodile Smile.
The palliative measures are being undertaken by the army in conjunction with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEC).
Irefin noted the palliative would bring succour to road users and ease movement along the routes.
The GOC asked Governor Dapo Abiodun to fix the road, which he said would in the long run enhance quick response of the army operatives to issues in the state.
“This is part of the civil-military palliative to help our neighbours who are assisting us, to be able to move freely within our community.
We do sincerely hope that the governor, who has the interest of the people at heart, who is focused, will look towards this direction and assist in fixing this road. In the long run, it shortens our time to react to issues if and when necessary,” Irefin said.
The GOC explained that Operation Crocodile Smile was meant to checkmate criminality and ensure residents go about their normal activities during the festive period unhindered.
Speaking with newsmen, residents and road users applauded the army for providing the palliative measures, describing the state of the road as “disgusting and terrible.”
The Vice Chancellor of the Crescent University, located along the road, Prof Akeem Gbajabiamila, expressed regret that despite series of promises by the state government, it has failed to fix the road.
Gbajabiamila said, “What the army has done is of great importance to the whole community. This road is a vital road that leads to Lafenwa, Rounder and the border. This important economic road should have been done by the government over the years.
“You have shown that not only do you represent the people in wars and protecting the community, you also have the welfare of the people at heart.”
