The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has replaced a stolen manhole cover with a concrete alternative along Apata Road, Ibadan, in a move aimed at preventing accidents and protecting motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
The intervention, carried out on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, was supervised by the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd.), following concerns over the danger posed by the uncovered manhole at the location.
Adekoya said the exercise formed part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility and its commitment to safeguarding lives across the state.
He noted that open manholes posed serious risks to commuters, expecially at night and during rainfall, adding that the affected spot on Apata Road had reportedly been associated with accidents and had exposed road users to danger.
According to him, replacing the stolen metal cover with a concrete cover was considered a more durable option that would also reduce the possibility of vandalism and theft.
The OYRTMA chairman appealed to residents to desist from vandalising public infrastructure, stressing that the theft of manhole covers goes beyond the destruction of government property, as it could directly endanger the lives of innocent road users.
He also urged members of the public to promptly alert relevant authorities whenever they notice uncovered manholes, dangerous potholes, vandalised infrastructure or other hazards capable of causing accidents.
Adekoya assured residents that OYRTMA would continue to identify and address traffic-related hazards across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
The Area Commander, Oyo Police Force, represented by ASP Okphor Kingsley, commended OYRTMA for the intervention, describing it as a timely initiative that would help prevent accidents and protect lives.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, BCJ, Unit 3, Apata, Ibadan, Mr Oluwadamilare Ale, expressed appreciation to OYRTMA for responding to the danger.
Ale said the uncovered manhole had exposed residents, commercial motorcyclists and other road users to serious risks, adding that several lives had reportedly been lost in accidents linked to the dangerous spot.
He described the replacement of the stolen cover as a relief to road users and residents who had been navigating the affected section under hazardous conditions.
