#EdoDecides24: Interstate commuters stranded in Auchi
Commuters and motorists traveling through the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway in Edo State were stranded at the Jattu Junction on Saturday as security operatives enforced the movement restriction for the Edo governorship election earlier than expected.
Many of those affected had anticipated that the restriction order, which was meant to limit movement during the election, would start from 8 a.m. However, they were caught off-guard when security personnel blocked strategic routes as early as 7 a.m., leading to heavy traffic along the highway in Etsako West Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that apart from the police, personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and other paramilitary agencies were part of the operation to ensure compliance with the movement ban.
Long queues of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles, and commuters, were seen at the Jattu junction, with many expressing frustration over the situation.
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“I am coming from Abuja going to Delta and I had felt we could cross Edo before 8 a.m. I am surprised that on getting to Jattu junction we were stopped by the military personnel who barricaded the road and refused us access,” said Musa Adamu, a truck driver stranded at the scene.
Another motorist, Hakeem Saliu, expressed his disappointment, saying he left Benin early with the intention of crossing the junction before the enforcement began. “The security personnel said that we should remain here until the election is over, and that is unfair,” Saliu lamented.
Some commuters, who had gone out to buy foodstuff before heading to their polling stations, also found themselves caught in the restriction. “I had no idea the roadblocks would start this early. Now, I’m stuck here and unable to vote on time,” said a frustrated resident.
The restrictions, aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process, were met with mixed reactions as many stranded commuters called for more leniency and better communication regarding the enforcement timeline.
All efforts to negotiate passage with the security operatives proved futile, as the personnel insisted that no movement would be allowed until after the election.
