OYRTMA Replaces Stolen Manhole Covers With Concrete on Apata Road to Prevent Accidents

 OYRTMA Replaces Stolen Manhole Covers With Concrete on Apata Road to Prevent Accidents

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has commenced the replacement of stolen manhole covers with durable concrete covers along Apata Road in Ibadan, as part of measures to protect road users and prevent avoidable accidents.

The intervention was carried out on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, under the supervision of the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd.), following concerns over the dangers posed by uncovered manholes and other road hazards across the Ibadan metropolis.

Speaking during the exercise, Adekoya said the initiative was part of OYRTMA’s corporate social responsibility and reflected the agency’s commitment to protecting motorists, pedestrians, commercial motorcyclists and other commuters.

He described uncovered manholes as serious threats to road users, particularly at night and during rainfall, noting that the affected spot on Apata Road had reportedly been linked to accidents and exposed commuters to significant danger.

According to him, replacing the stolen metal cover with a concrete alternative would provide a more durable solution and reduce the risk of vandalism and repeated theft.

Adekoya appealed to residents to desist from vandalising public infrastructure, stressing that the removal of manhole covers not only constitutes damage to public property but also places innocent road users at risk.

He urged members of the public to promptly report vandalised infrastructure, uncovered manholes, dangerous potholes and other road hazards to the relevant authorities to facilitate timely intervention.

The OYRTMA chairman also assured residents that the agency would continue to identify and address traffic-related hazards across the state while collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to improve road safety.

The Area Commander, Oyo Police Force, represented by ASP Okphor Kingsley, commended OYRTMA for the intervention, saying the initiative would help reduce accidents and protect lives.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, BCJ, Unit 3, Apata, Ibadan, Mr. Oluwadamilare Ale, expressed appreciation to OYRTMA for responding to the danger posed by the uncovered manhole.

Ale said several lives had reportedly been lost in accidents linked to the dangerous section of the road, adding that the intervention had provided relief for residents, commercial motorcyclists and other road users.

The intervention forms part of OYRTMA’s broader efforts to identify and mitigate road-related hazards and create safer traffic environments across Oyo State.