There was severe gridlock in Omi–Adio, a town in Ibadan, on Wednesday, as the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) carried out repairs on the railway crossing in the area.

The repair work became necessary following the derailment of a cargo train at the spot on December 11.

The traffic congestion caused significant inconvenience to commuters plying the route.

A bus driver, Taofik Alade, told journalists that although the gridlock was frustrating, the repair of the crossing was a welcome development for motorists using the road.

Mr Alade said the crossing had, for a long time, posed a danger to motorists.

According to him, drivers often had 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,” he said.

Similarly, a commercial motorcyclist, Adekunle Bankole, described the ongoing repair as a thing of joy for road users.

He urged the NRC to ensure regular maintenance of the railway track rather than waiting until a disaster occurred.

For her part, Khadijat Bello appealed to the Oyo government and the Ido Local Government Chairman, Sheriff Adeojo, to remove market women trading around the Omi–Adio railway crossing and roadside.

She said clearing the area would help ease traffic flow and prevent future disasters. 

(NAN)