Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and its environs continue to risk their lives by crossing expressways instead of using available pedestrian bridges, resulting in numerous preventable deaths.

An investigation reveals that pedestrian bridges in locations such as Gwarinpa, Gwagwalada, Lugbe, Berger, NICON junction, Wuye, Nyanya, and Mararaba are frequently abandoned. Instead, these structures have been repurposed as makeshift markets, display stands for merchandise, and shelter for homeless individuals.

In April, a young man was fatally struck while attempting to cross the expressway at Berger Junction on his way to work. Eyewitnesses reported that his office was located across the road, and with no pedestrian bridge available at that specific location, he attempted to cross the highway directly.

Similarly, in early May, another young man was killed by a speeding vehicle at Galadimawa Junction along Kubwa Expressway after choosing to cross the expressway rather than use the nearby pedestrian bridge. The driver, who narrowly escaped being mobbed, claimed he did not see the victim until it was too late, as he did not expect anyone to cross the expressway when a bridge was available.

Most expressways in Abuja are constructed with concrete barricades to prevent pedestrian crossing, yet residents frequently jump over these barriers, creating dangerous situations when they cannot control their momentum in the middle of the road.

The Uche Collins Foundation, a non-governmental organization, is seeking partnerships with stakeholders to increase awareness about the importance of using pedestrian bridges. The foundation noted that many bridges in the capital are viewed as "monumental decorations" rather than essential safety infrastructure.

Residents interviewed cited various reasons for avoiding pedestrian bridges. Peter Adebayo, a Nyanya resident, described crossing highways as an "open-source to death" but acknowledged that the government sometimes places bridges in inconvenient locations.

"Highway is a motor lane at high speed and it is not safe to cross on foot. Those crossing because they are in a hurry are endangering their lives," Adebayo stated. "But the government is also endangering citizens because they site pedestrian bridges at the wrong places. Even trekking from bus stops to pedestrian bridges is another journey."

Ola Abiola, a resident of Kugbo, criticized the government and contractors for building bridges in impractical locations. "Most pedestrian bridges in Abuja are not built at the right place, for instance in Wuye. Government needs to ensure proper supervision of projects that concern human life," he said.

Ephrain Ager, caught crossing the Musa Yar-Adua Expressway on Airport Road, admitted it was dangerous but explained that many bridges are situated about one kilometer from bus stops, making them inconvenient for commuters in a hurry.

However, Ngozi Nnanna emphasized that safety should always be the priority regardless of distance. "I am taking the pedestrian bridge because it is safer. Of what use are the bridges constructed by the government if they are ignored by pedestrians?" she questioned.

Ikechukwu Ubani, a taxi driver, observed that pedestrians often underestimate vehicle speeds on expressways. "They usually think moving vehicles are far but not knowing that the distance can be covered in a few seconds, and they run into the road and get hit," he explained.

Attempts to reach the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) regarding measures to enforce the mandatory use of pedestrian bridges and address residents' concerns were unsuccessful.