Residents of Surulere, Lagos, and soldiers residing in the Abalti Barracks have raised alarm over the planned reinstallation of a dangerous advertising billboard that has caused multiple disasters in the area. The billboard, which has collapsed twice in recent years, has been blamed for damaging property and injuring a child, and its return is now a hot topic of contention.
In a passionate plea to the Lagos State Government and relevant authorities, concerned community members are demanding an immediate halt to the reinstallation of the billboard, warning that further loss of life or property could occur if the structure is allowed to return.
The billboard, which is located inside the military barracks near Funsho Williams Avenue, has been described as a “death trap” by local residents. Its most recent collapse saw the structure fall on a building, severely damaging the roof and collapsing a section of the barracks’ perimeter fence. The impact also injured a sleeping child, whose life was narrowly spared. However, despite these grave incidents, a soil test is currently underway near the foundation of the billboard, indicating plans for its reinstallation as early as next week.
Residents and soldiers are deeply concerned about the safety risks posed by the reinstallation. “The dangers of this billboard are clear to everyone who lives or works here,” said a local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. “It’s not just a nuisance; it’s a life-threatening hazard. The last collapse left us in shock, and now we’re being told it’s coming back? This is unacceptable.”
The controversial billboard is owned by Radius Resources, a company that has been accused of prioritizing profit over public safety. The company, led by an influential woman identified as Toun Amosu, has come under fire for allegedly using its connections to bypass regulations and avoid accountability for the previous incidents. Sources close to the community suggest that Amosu’s influence may have played a significant role in ensuring the billboard’s return despite its dangerous history.
“This is a blatant disregard for safety,” said another concerned soldier, who also wished to remain unnamed. “The Nigerian Army is supposed to protect us, not expose us to avoidable risks. The billboard owner is not only putting soldiers’ lives in jeopardy but also the lives of their families. We demand that the authorities take action now, before another disaster strikes.”
A statement issued by the residents outlined the extent of the previous damage caused by the billboard’s collapse. “The impact severely damaged the building’s roof and caused the barracks’ fence to collapse,” the statement read. “People who narrowly escaped death that night will never underestimate the dangers of these giant billboards. When it was finally taken down, it felt like a weight had been lifted. But now, with the soil test happening, it seems the threat is returning.”
The statement went on to highlight the emotional toll the constant threat of the billboard poses on the community. “Living under the shadow of this billboard has caused constant worry and disturbed sleep for everyone here,” the residents said. “The trauma of that collapse is still fresh in our minds. We cannot allow this danger to return.”
One soldier, whose family was directly affected by the collapse, expressed disbelief that the billboard owner has faced no consequences for the damage caused. “How many times do people have to risk their lives before something is done?” he asked. “This woman has never been held accountable for the harm she’s caused, and now she wants to put us at risk again? It’s heartbreaking.”
The residents’ frustration is compounded by what they perceive as a lack of accountability from the authorities. Despite multiple incidents and growing public outcry, there has been little action taken to prevent the reinstallation of the billboard. The local community is now turning to the Nigerian Army and other authorities to intervene and ensure the safety of those who live and work near the structure.
In their statement, the residents made a direct appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and other key officials, including the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, and the Managing Director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Prince Fatiu Akiolu. They called for immediate action to ensure that the billboard is not reinstalled in the barracks and to prioritize the safety of the soldiers and their families.
“We are calling on these authorities to step in and protect us,” said one soldier’s wife. “Soldiers are risking their lives on the frontlines, but they deserve a safe and peaceful environment to come home to. We don’t want to live in fear anymore.”
In response to the growing concerns, a representative from Radius Resources insisted that safety measures would be taken before the billboard is reinstalled. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in the area,” the representative stated. “A soil test is currently being conducted, and we will follow all necessary procedures to ensure the structure is secure.”
However, the residents remain unconvinced. “We’ve heard all these promises before,” one resident remarked. “But when it comes to money, safety is always pushed aside. This billboard should be moved far away from the barracks – it’s the only way to guarantee that we will not face another tragedy.”
As the tension mounts, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will heed the calls of the community and take the necessary action to prevent another potential disaster. Until then, the residents and soldiers of Abalti Barracks are left with a growing sense of anxiety and fear, wondering if their lives will be put in danger once again by a commercial advertisement.