Ilorin residents have expressed concern over the influx of commercial trucks along the Oko-Olowo and Oloje axis of the metropolis.

The residents said that the action endangers the lives of motorists and other road users.

A commercial tricyclist, Yusuf Adisa, said that more drivers of the articulated vehicles conveying petroleum and other goods are now plying some major streets in llorin through Oko-Olowo.

Mr Adisa noted that the truck drivers had been plying the roads for a long time, occasionally and mostly in the evenings and nights, but recently they now ply the roads unchecked during day time.

He added that their movement was causing lots of havoc on the roads, as there were more potholes and traffic congestion from Oko-Olowo to Oloje, down to Adeta round-about.

Idris Abdullah, a commercial motorcyclist, also stated that the increase in trucks along the Ogidi-Oloje axis caused many motorcyclists to crash.

According to Mr Abdullah, trucks are always on the road at great discomfort and obstruction to other road users, as motorcyclists manoeuvre through the road shoulders, with some falling over with their passengers.

He added that motorcyclists had to leave the main road to enable them to reach their destination in good time.

Abeni Afenibaro, a resident of the Oloje area, explained that the rise in trucks on the streets was scary and alarming.

She disclosed that many children passing by the roadside are prone to danger, especially with the school resumption. Many pupils found it difficult to cross the road, she said.

Mr Afenibaro added that several government workers and students got stuck on the road due to traffic congestion caused by the trucks getting to their destinations late.

The residents pleaded with the state government to find a lasting solution to the issue and make residential areas have easy and free movements with minimal stress.

Reacting to the development, the Federal Controller of Works in Kwara, Wasiu Atitebi, said the federal works ministry was aware of the situation caused by some bad portions of the roads formerly plied by the trucks.

Mr Atitebi, however, appealed to residents of the areas to exercise patience as the ministry was making an effort to repair the bad portions of the roads.

(NAN)