Residents, motorists and pedestrians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the increasing number of open and damaged manholes on major roads and streets, describing them as death traps.
Abuja Metro reports that the activities of vandals have left many drainage channels and manholes uncovered across several districts in the city, posing a serious risk to residents.
In January 2025, the police arrested 50 persons suspected of stealing manhole covers in Abuja.
The arrests followed a coordinated raid on the Kabusa Pantaker Market by the FCT Police Command.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a statement issued at the time by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, described the theft of manhole covers as a significant threat to public safety and a drain on government resources.
‘It is unacceptable that amenities provided for the use of Nigerians are being stolen and sold, endangering lives and wasting funds meant for development,’ the statement said.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, condemned the theft and pledged decisive action.
Dauda explained that the stolen covers were specifically designed to withstand heavy vehicular traffic and are critical to the proper functioning of the city’s drainage system.
Meanwhile, many residents who spoke with Abuja Metro at the weekend said the problem has persisted for months without meaningful intervention despite repeated complaints to the relevant authorities.
A commercial driver in Jabi, Mairiga Sani, said a damaged manhole on his route has remained uncovered for several months.
‘I pass here almost every day, and nothing has changed. Initially, people placed tree branches and stones around it to alert motorists, but those warning signs are often get washed away or removed. Every day, drivers have to swerve suddenly to avoid it.’
According to him, he has witnessed several vehicles sustain damage after hitting the exposed section of the road.
‘I have seen tyres burst and vehicle rims damaged. Some drivers only notice the danger when it is too late. If someone loses control at high speed, it could easily result in a fatal accident.’
A pedestrian, Mary Lucky, described the open manholes as a constant source of fear, especially during heavy rainfall.
‘When it rains, the water covers everything. Someone unfamiliar with the road may unknowingly step into it. We always have to warn children and elderly people to be careful whenever they pass here.’
She added that residents have continued to hope for government intervention without success.
‘We have reported it through community leaders and even to officials who visited the area, but nothing has been done. We only hear promises.’
Another motorist, Salisu Bature, said the damaged manhole has disrupted the smooth flow of traffic.
‘Drivers suddenly slow down or change lanes to avoid it. Sometimes this confuses other motorists because vehicles behind may not understand why the driver ahead is swerving. It increases the risk of collisions.’
He urged the authorities to repair damaged infrastructure before more lives are put at risk.
For Lucy, who walks through the area daily, the danger extends beyond motorists.
‘Schoolchildren, elderly people and persons with disabilities are all exposed. At night, the situation is even worse because visibility is poor. One wrong step could lead to serious injury,’ he said.
A private car owner, Kabiru Goni, said he narrowly escaped damaging his vehicle after driving over a flooded section of the road.
‘I didn’t even know there was an open manhole because it was completely covered by rainwater. Fortunately, I was driving slowly. Someone moving faster might not be so lucky.’
He said temporary warning signs are no substitute for permanent repairs.
Another pedestrian, Ladidi Jibrin, lamented that residents have become accustomed to living with the danger.
‘It is unfortunate that people now see this as normal. We should not have to wait until someone loses their life before action is taken.’
She appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to prioritise routine inspection and maintenance of public infrastructure.
Similarly, Isiyaku Garba, a motorist, said prompt intervention would prevent unnecessary accidents and reduce the financial burden on vehicle owners.
‘Many people spend money repairing damaged tyres, suspensions and rims because of bad roads and open manholes. Preventing these problems is cheaper than dealing with their consequences.’
He urged the authorities to immediately replace missing manhole covers, repair damaged ones and establish a regular monitoring system to prevent future occurrences.
The residents maintained that while manholes are essential components of urban drainage and underground utility systems, leaving them uncovered defeats their purpose and poses a serious threat to public safety.