A growing number of motorists traversing the Mowe-Ibafo area are raising alarm over the disturbing trend of corpses being discovered along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. These disconcerted motorists, who conveyed their apprehension to PUNCH Metro during interviews on Wednesday, are increasingly worried about the potential public health risks and security threats posed by this recurring issue.

During an investigation conducted by our correspondent along the Mountain Top University section of the road, a particularly distressing scene unfolded. A lifeless body, marred by burn marks and wrapped in a blue cloth, tightly bound with a rope, was unceremoniously dumped along the roadside. The incident was compounded by another grim discovery just opposite the university on the preceding Tuesday, adding to a string of recent similar occurrences.

An anonymous motorist, fearing potential repercussions, shared their concerns with our correspondent, pleading for an intensified security presence in the area. “I suspect the corpse was abandoned overnight, but I can’t confirm it. What drew our attention to it was the stench emanating from that vicinity. This clearly indicates that this area is not secure, especially during nighttime,” the motorist expressed.

Another driver, known only as Rasheed, pointed out that the decomposing corpse poses a significant threat to road users if not promptly removed. “The foul odor emanating from the deceased’s body is not just unpleasant; it can also lead to serious health concerns if not addressed urgently,” Rasheed emphasized.

In response to the alarming situation, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, urged residents to promptly report such incidents to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in their area. She underscored the importance of timely reporting, stating, “The police can only take action when they are informed. Therefore, people must make it a priority to inform their DPO about such issues. Often, we may not even be aware of a missing person unless their family reports it.”

Efforts to address the issue appear to have met some bureaucratic obstacles. The Chairman of the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Lanre Ogunsola, was contacted for possible action in removing the bodies, but as of the time of filing this report, he had yet to respond to our correspondent’s message, leaving many concerned about the continued safety of this critical highway.