MURIC SLAMS LAGOS-IBADAN ROAD REPAIRS AS ‘UNPROFESSIONAL AND SADISTIC’ AMID SALAH TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK

By: Sefiu Ajape

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the ongoing repair works on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, describing the timing as “unprofessional, insensitive, and sadistic.”

Thousands of commuters were left stranded on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, especially towards the Ibadan end of the expressway, due to massive traffic caused by the construction.

According to Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, the gridlock had reached a standstill by 6 p.m., leaving many travelers at risk of spending the night on the dark, isolated stretch of road.

“It is most likely that hundreds of commuters will spend the night on the dark road, thereby exposing them to attacks by criminals.”

MURIC has called for an immediate halt to the repair works, relief for stranded travelers, and a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the disruption. The organization also urged the Oyo State Police Command to deploy necessary security measures to protect commuters during this critical time.

“MURIC strongly condemns the decision to carry out repairs on that part of the road at this busy period when Muslims and other road users are trooping in and out of Lagos and other cities for the Salah holiday. It is unprofessional, insensitive, and sadistic.

“We demand immediate halt to the repairs, urgent relief for travelers, and a probe of the circumstances that led to the ugly situation. We also urge the Oyo State Police Command to take proactive measures towards ensuring safety of travellers.”

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a major transport artery linking the southwest to other parts of the country, and delays or disruptions on the route have significant national implications.