The police in Lagos mounted only a few roadblocks in parts of the state on Saturday as residents came out to vote in the 57 local government elections.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission is conducting elections across the 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs.

The poll is expected to produce 57 council chairmen and 376 councillors.

Contrary to previous election day security practices, it was observed that the police did not mount roadblocks along major corridors, such as the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, from the tollgate in Ogun to Ikeja in Lagos.

Similarly, no police checkpoints were observed on major roads in Agege, Ogba, Ikeja, Mushin, and other areas.

The popular Ikorodu Road, Airport Road, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oba Akran Road, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, Acme Road, Lateef Jakande Road, Awolowo Way, and Ojuelegba were also devoid of roadblocks as of 8:00 a.m.

At 7:30 a.m., the presence of security operatives was minimal in many of these areas.

Commercial activities were still ongoing at Ile Epo Market in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA as of 7:00 a.m., as well as in the busy Ojuelegba area in Surulere LGA.

However, police were seen preparing to set up a roadblock using tyres under the Awolowo Bridge in Ikeja at about 7:21 a.m.

Meanwhile, shops and complexes in the ever-busy Computer Village in Ikeja remained shut as of 7:25 a.m.

A group of about 20 youths of voting age was seen playing football in Ilupeju, Mushin LGA.

(NAN)