Tension is mounting in Surulere, Lagos, as residents and soldiers stationed at Abalti Barracks in Ojuelegba vehemently oppose the reinstallation of a massive advertising billboard that has collapsed twice in recent years—leaving destruction in its wake, severely injuring a child, and damaging property.
The controversial billboard, owned by a company identified as Radius Resources, has been described as a ticking time bomb, sparking widespread fears of another disaster. Residents and military families are now accusing authorities of prioritizing financial gain over human lives.
SaharaReporters gathered that the billboard’s collapse in previous years was nothing short of catastrophic. The most recent incident saw a sleeping child suffer life-threatening injuries, while the structure’s impact shattered roofs and brought down sections of the barracks’ perimeter fence.
Despite this tragic history, recent soil tests near the billboard’s foundation indicate that plans are underway for its reinstallation, an announcement that has sent shockwaves through the community.
A resident who narrowly escaped harm during the previous collapse told SaharaReporters, “We thought we were finally safe when the wreckage was removed. Now, it feels like a death trap is being reinstalled above our heads.”
Beyond the residents, soldiers and their families within the barracks are expressing outrage, alleging that high-ranking military officials are accepting bribes from the billboard’s owner, Toun Amosu, to turn a blind eye to the risks.
“How much money can justify endangering lives?” one distraught soldier questioned. “A soldier might face uncertainty at the battlefield, but inside the barracks, we should have peace of mind—not fear for our families’ safety because of some billboard.”
Sources within the army claim that Amosu, known for her deep connections within the military, has repeatedly evaded accountability. They argue that if she is allowed to reinstall the billboard without repercussions, it sets a dangerous precedent where negligence goes unpunished.
In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, the community issued a passionate plea to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola; and the Managing Director of the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, urging them to halt the reinstallation.
“If God has saved lives twice, why test His protection a third time?” the statement reads. “The safety of residents, soldiers, and pedestrians along Funsho Williams Avenue must not be sacrificed for profit.”
The statement further emphasized the dangers of erecting massive billboards near residential areas, especially during Lagos’ unpredictable rainy season, where strong winds could lead to another collapse.
As reports indicate that the billboard may be reinstalled as early as next week, fear and frustration continue to grip the Ojuelegba community. Many say they are still haunted by the memories of past collapses and are dreading the possibility of another disaster.
“We can’t sleep peacefully knowing this death trap is coming back,” a resident lamented. “If the government doesn’t act, they will have blood on their hands.”
With pressure mounting and tensions rising, all eyes are now on the Lagos State authorities and the Nigerian Army to see whether they will prioritize public safety over financial interests—or allow history to repeat itself with potentially fatal consequences.
PIONEER NEWS 