Prolonged gridlock on the Lokoja–Abuja highway sparks outrage as travellers endure hours of hardship amid roadworks and heavy traffic.
The traffic chaos in Lokoja, which occurred along key sections of the road, brought vehicular movement to a complete standstill, forcing travellers to remain stuck in their vehicles under harsh weather conditions. Some passengers reportedly spent several hours without access to food, water, or basic conveniences, as frustration and exhaustion mounted.
Eyewitnesses attributed the gridlock to ongoing road construction, the presence of broken-down heavy-duty trucks, and the surge in vehicular movement along the corridor. The situation was worsened by the narrow sections of the road, where construction work has reduced traffic to single lanes in some areas.
Parents travelling with young children were among the worst affected, as cries of distress echoed across the long stretch of stationary vehicles. Some commuters reportedly alighted from their vehicles and trekked long distances in search of relief or alternative transport.
The Lokoja–Abuja Expressway is a critical link between the Federal Capital Territory and several parts of the country, and recurring traffic congestion on the route has continued to raise concerns about road safety, infrastructure planning, and emergency response.
Despite repeated assurances by the Federal Government on the completion of rehabilitation works, motorists say the persistent gridlock on the highway has become a regular ordeal, especially during peak travel periods.
As of the time of reporting, traffic flow had begun to ease gradually, but many road users are calling on relevant authorities to accelerate construction work, deploy effective traffic control measures, and prevent a recurrence of the incident.
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