Severe traffic congestion paralysed Omi–Adio, a town in Ibadan, on Wednesday as the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) carried out repair work on a railway crossing in the area.
The repairs became necessary following the derailment of a cargo train at the spot on December 11, prompting urgent maintenance to restore safety and prevent further incidents. The gridlock caused significant inconvenience to commuters navigating the route.
A bus driver, Taofik Alade, told journalists that while the traffic was frustrating, the repair of the crossing was a welcome development for motorists. According to him, the crossing had long posed a danger to drivers.
“Drivers often have to grip their steering wheels tightly while crossing to avoid swerving and possible accidents. This repair is necessary to prevent accidents at the spot. We are very happy that it is finally being fixed,” Mr Alade said.
Similarly, a commercial motorcyclist, Adekunle Bankole, described the ongoing repair as a positive development for road users. He urged the NRC to carry out regular maintenance on the railway track instead of waiting for disasters to occur.
For her part, Khadijat Bello appealed to the Oyo State government and the Ido Local Government Chairman, Sheriff Adeojo, to clear market women trading around the Omi–Adio railway crossing and nearby roads.
She said that removing traders from the roadside would help ease traffic flow and reduce the risk of future accidents.
Commuters in the area expressed relief at the repair work, noting that the crossing had long been a site of anxiety for motorists and passengers alike.
Some residents highlighted that the crossing had become increasingly hazardous due to heavy vehicle movement, prompting concerns for both road safety and railway operations.
The NRC confirmed that the repair work would continue until the crossing was fully restored to ensure uninterrupted and safer travel for road users.
Officials called on drivers to exercise patience while repairs were ongoing and to follow traffic instructions to avoid further congestion.
With the maintenance underway, residents and commuters hope that the repairs will not only restore safety but also prevent future gridlocks and accidents at the Omi–Adio railway crossing.
