Motorists and commuters were stranded on Wednesday after a group of youths staged a peaceful protest along the busy Benin–Lagos highway, expressing outrage over worsening economic conditions in the country.
The demonstrators barricaded the road at the Oluku axis, bringing vehicular movement to a halt and triggering a heavy traffic gridlock that stretched across the area.
According to the protesters, the action was fueled by growing hardship, including the recent increase in petrol pump prices, irregular electricity supply, poor road conditions, and the rising cost of food.
They urged the government to take immediate steps to address the situation, particularly issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the overall high cost of living affecting citizens.
During the protest, participants carried placards with messages like “No to petrol hike,” “Fix our roads,” and “APC must go,” reflecting their dissatisfaction with current conditions.
Although the protest remained peaceful, it severely disrupted movement, forcing many commuters to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances to their destinations. Business activities in the area were also impacted due to restricted movement.
In a video circulating on social media, one of the protesters voiced frustration over the economic realities, accusing authorities of failing to respond to citizens’ struggles.
He explained that the protest was meant to draw urgent attention to the plight of Nigerians, warning that continued inaction could trigger more widespread unrest.
