Travellers Stranded as Military Mount Roadblocks in Edo
Travellers faced significant delays on Saturday as military personnel mounted roadblocks at border areas in Edo State due to the ongoing governorship election.
Commuters traveling through routes such as Agbor-Igueben-Uromi were halted, resulting in a traffic buildup, as security officers refused to grant passage. Despite attempts by travellers to negotiate with the officers, their efforts proved unsuccessful.
Among those affected were accredited journalists, including a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent on election duty. It took a phone call intervention by Capt. Chinonso Oteh, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade, Benin, to allow the journalists to proceed. Oteh reportedly clarified to the security agents that accredited journalists were considered essential personnel for election coverage.
Frustrated commuters voiced their concerns about the prolonged wait. Mrs. Adaora Nwachukwu, traveling from Onitsha to Akure, expressed her frustration: “I have been stuck here since 7 a.m.; I have an urgent family engagement, but the soldiers won’t let us pass.”
Mr. Femi Oyedele, another stranded traveler, shared his disappointment, stating, “I thought I could beat the time and the security, but unfortunately, I am caught up.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the police had previously announced a restriction of movement between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday for the election.
