Destitute hoodlums turn Pen Cinema Bridge into abode
Two months after the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the Pen Cinema Bridge, homeless people, including beggars and hoodlums have occupied the facility and are allegedly using the opportunity to dispossess unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables.
The bridge, which was constructed to ease mobility of road users and members of the public had become a shelter as people were seen taking refuge under and around it.
However, passers-by, motorists and business owners lamented the growing insecurity occasioned by the activities of people living around the bridge, adding that the area around the bridge was polluted by waste.
“Sometimes the NURTW officials pay street sweepers from the union’s purse to clean up the place to avoid being blamed by the government.
“Most of those living around there prefer to sleep at the end of the bridge facing the rail line to avoid being easily spotted. The union members sometimes come on Thursdays to chase beggars and those loitering around the bridge”.
One of those residing around the bridge said that he migrated from Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Lagos in search of greener pasture, adding that he had been homeless since he got to the state.
A member of the NURTW said that aside hoodlums occupying the bridge, beggars and porters had also turned the bridge to place of abode.
“They are everywhere. They sleep even up to the rail line. Most of them are homeless Northerners. I don’t think the government can do anything about them”.
