Commuters were stranded in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday as angry youths barricaded sections of the busy Benin–Lagos Expressway near the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ugbowo Campus, in protest against worsening economic hardship in the country.
The protesting youths, who said that the economic hardship resulted from what they termed “disconnected political promises,” blocked the highway for several hours, disrupting vehicular movement and leaving commuters stranded.
Many commuters who ran into the protest spent hours meandering through the gridlock that ensued as all alternative routes were blocked by the angry youths.
The protesters demanded urgent government intervention to address the rising food prices, unemployment and the high cost of living Nigerians are going through.
The protest grew as more youths and commercial bus drivers joined, chanting anti-government slogans and insisting authorities must respond to the deepening economic strain on the citizens.
A public affairs analyst, Jide Ojo, while speaking on the protest, said it reflected the growing frustration among young Nigerians.
“The hardship in the country is biting harder, and many young people feel political leaders are not connecting enough with their daily realities,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Edo State Government, just as security presence around Benin metropolis was being reinforced to prevent escalation.
- Media Report