Oyo traffic agency replaces stolen manhole covers in Ibadan

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority has started replacing stolen manhole covers with strong concrete ones in key areas of Ibadan. This move aims to protect lives and avoid accidents.

The work began on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the Apata area of Ibadan. Major Adesagba Adekoya (retd.), the Chairman of OYRTMA, supervised the effort. This is part of a plan to tackle the risks from open manholes and bad road sections in the city.

This information came from a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on Tuesday. The statement was shared with reporters in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

While overseeing the project, Major Adekoya said this effort is part of the agency's responsibility to the community. He emphasized that OYRTMA’s main goal is to protect the lives of motorists, pedestrians, Okada riders, and other road users.

"Uncovered manholes are serious dangers for road users, especially at night and during rain," he explained. He also mentioned that the risky area along Apata Road has caused accidents and put commuters at great risk.

"Replacing the stolen metal cover with a concrete one will offer a stronger solution and lower the chances of vandalism and future theft," Major Adekoya added.

He urged residents to stop damaging public property. He pointed out that stealing manhole covers not only harms government assets but also endangers innocent road users.

Major Adekoya also encouraged the public to report any vandalism, uncovered manholes, dangerous potholes, and other road issues to the right authorities so they can be fixed quickly.

He promised that OYRTMA would keep working to find and fix traffic dangers. They will collaborate with other government agencies and stakeholders to make roads safer across the state.

The Area Commander of the Oyo Police Force, represented by ASP Okphor Kingsley, praised OYRTMA for this action. He said these efforts would greatly help in preventing accidents and saving lives.

Mr Oluwadamilare Ale, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, BCJ, Unit 3, Apata, Ibadan, also thanked OYRTMA for the quick response. He noted that many lives have been lost in accidents at this dangerous spot.

Ale said this action has brought relief to residents, commercial motorcyclists, and other road users who have faced risks while using that part of the road.