By Peter Dansu The Hengo Badagry Youths Association, a leading advocacy group representing the Ogu people of Lagos State, has launched a bo...
By Peter Dansu
The Hengo Badagry Youths Association, a leading advocacy group representing the Ogu people of Lagos State, has launched a bold campaign demanding the immediate removal of the multiple security checkpoints scattered along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway.
The group described the situation as “a daily nightmare” for motorists, traders, and residents, citing widespread extortion, intimidation, and unnecessary delays caused by an estimated 39 checkpoints mounted by various security agencies, including the Police, Customs, Immigration, Army, Quarantine, and Port Health officials.
Speaking in a statement signed by its President, Felix S. Godonu, the association said the campaign seeks to draw public attention to the growing economic and social toll of these checkpoints on the people of Badagry and surrounding communities.
“We are tired of the harassment, extortion, and intimidation of our people by security agencies manning these illegal checkpoints,” the statement read. “Our people deserve to move freely and safely without being treated as criminals in their own land.”
The association clarified that it is not opposed to legitimate security operations, specifically noting the officially approved checkpoints at Gbaji and Agbara, but stressed that such checks must be conducted with respect for human dignity and without disrupting economic activities.
“We support genuine security efforts, but not at the cost of our people’s welfare and the free movement of goods and services,” the group emphasized.
The Hengo Badagry Youths Association is urging the federal and state governments to intervene immediately by dismantling illegal checkpoints and ensuring that security operations along the Badagry–Seme corridor are coordinated, transparent, and people-friendly.
The group also called on residents, transport unions, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the campaign and amplify the call for sanity and fairness on one of Nigeria’s busiest international routes.
“Together, we can make a difference,” the statement concluded. “We want a road that connects people — not one that drains their pockets and patience.”
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