A bizarre behaviour can be noticed among some of the train commuters in Lagos state that has been found to be dangerous both to the people who exhibit it and the surrounding environment. We see these set of people on the train at odd places. Some are sitting on the roof of the train while others are hanging unto any available platform or railing while the train is in motion or on a high speed. So, a couple of questions arise as one notices these daredevils;
Why are they doing this dangerous act?
Can’t they afford the fare for the ride?
Doesn’t the train have enough room to accommodate everyone?
Is it that they find this as a fun activity?
These are some of the questions that flood the mind whenever we come across such scenario. It has been a point of concern for many observers.
The authorities have made several efforts to eradicate this dangerous activities by arresting these offenders but some diehard set of people still continue this act. These people have devised several ways of escaping from the hands of the law.
A couple of days ago, I witnessed a scene along Ikeja-Along Express way as a train was approaching the bus stop to drop some of the passengers. While the train was slowing its speed down as it approached the bus stop, some of the illegal passengers hanging on the train started to jump off the train so as not to be caught by the authorities who were stationed at the bus stop to arrest offenders. These illegal passengers were either hanging unto the train at odd places or sitting on the roof all through the journey before getting to that point. As they began jumping off, some landed on the ground successfully on their feet while others fell to the ground and either got injured or sustained bruises. Even with fact that they must have sustained injuries, they got up immediately and began to run ahead of the train so that they could hop on it when it continued its journey after some passengers alighted at the bus stop. By doing this, they succeeded in escaping from the hands of the authorities that were looking out to arrest offenders at that particular bus stop. I believe these offenders would also repeat this same tactic whenever they approach a bus stop they perceive the authorities are stationed
A disturbing part of this occurrence, is the sight of females also engaging in such disapproving activity. Yes, I have seen a female do this before. It just too bad. Our focus here is on the dangerous act exhibited by this people. What if a person jumping off the moving train was unfortunate and ended up sustaining a fatal injury, broke a leg, an arm or even lost his life? Furthermore, when the accidents occur, it disrupts the beauty of the environment.
I heard of a story of a married man with children who was a habitual hiker. He was warned severally to desist from this dangerous act but it all fell on deaf hears. There was a time he got unfortunate and he sustained severe injuries while jumping off a moving train. This left him hospitalized for several weeks. After he recovered, he still continued this dangerous act. He met his water loo some months later while in the act and he lost his life on the spot unfortunately leaving his wife and kids behind. Passers-by confirmed that a good amount of money was found in his possession while they tried to use his phone to contact his family.
Speaking about the questions I raised initially, it is expedient that we look into the matter so as to analyse the situation and find a worthy solution.
Why are they doing this dangerous act?
Can’t they afford the fare for the ride?
Doesn’t the train have enough room to accommodate everyone?
Is it that they find this as a fun activity?
Some of the factors that could be responsible for this are as follows:
In terms of cost; the illegal passengers don’t get to pay, so their transport cost is saved. On the other hand, it could be that some of them can’t afford the transport, and so they endanger themselves by hiking. Although, quite a number of them have the money for the journey but they just refuse to pay and prefer to hike.
Also, due to the lawlessness plaguing this state and/ or lack of following due process or laid down policies (if there are any in this regard), the illegal passengers who already see the train is full, take the initiative to hang onto the train or sit on the roof of the train in a bus to get to their destination. It is important to note that the trains aren’t designed to take on that quantity of people at the same time hence the reason for tickets and probably queues to regulate the flow of passengers.
Another factor that could be attributed to these people could be that they derive pleasure in engaging in this act. Which sounds strange.
We should endeavour to exercise the following suggestions as we use these trains so as to save life and property.
- Avoid riding the train in a dangerous manner.
- Disapprove carelessness.
- Discourage others from taking risks like this.
- The train conductors should also ensure that the trains are not misused and stop people from hiking.
- Strict laws should enforced to prosecute offenders and should be acted upon.
I believe we all will borrow a leaf from this and amend our society.
Thanks.
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