The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it set up the barricade on the bypass that leads to Nuwalegye, Zamani and Wukara communities in the FCT for security reasons.

The NSCDC spokesman, Shola Odumodu, who responded to complaints from members of the communities said that there had been series of criminal activities as well as breaches of security in the area, which made the bypass become a security threat to the NSCDC headquarters.

He added that an officer of the command was recently attacked and his phone snatched on his way home from work.

According to him, security institutions have now become a target for criminals and hoodlums, therefore, the command is taking proactive steps to prevent future attacks.

Meanwhile, some of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the barricade of the bypass, which leads to their communities from the airport expressway, was worrisome.

“It is sad that we can no longer use the short route to get home. This makes us get to our homes late because we have to get close to the airport before we can access our communities.

“The motorcycle operators are also using the advantage to exploit us because of the long distance to our communities,” a resident of Nuwalegye community, Jibrin Umar, said.

Another resident of Zamani community, Bassey John, said, “Residents are exposed to a high risk of accidents, considering the speed of motorists going towards the airport.

“We urgently plead with the management of NSCDC to please help us open the bypass to ease the hardship.”

A resident of Wukara community Ramat Jigo said that there was a need for the NSCDC to provide an alternative road into the community and stop the continued hostility meted out against residents.

A motorcyclist, who identified himself as Haruna, said that he and his colleagues charged passengers higher because of the longer route they now take to the communities.

“A journey that used to cost N50-N100 now costs N200 to N300.”