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For the second consecutive day, a group identified as Concerned Edo State Citizens staged a blockade on the Auchi axis of the Benin – Ekpoma – Auchi Abuja highway, protesting the alleged neglect of the road reconstruction project initiated in 2013.
The group, rallying support from residents and other road users, effectively rendered the road impassable.
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At the Jattu Junction, a prominent location, they set up canopies, lit fires, and prepared food as part of their demonstration.
Enjoying the backing of the local truck drivers’ union in the Etsako West area, the protesters strategically deployed vehicles to obstruct the junction, a crucial entry point to the Benin- Ekpoma – Abuja highway.
The resulting road closure led to a significant buildup of trailers, blocking one lane from Jattu junction to Okpella and Agbede, causing inconvenience for other commuters.
This action mirrored a similar occurrence last year, prompting assurances from officials of the federal Ministry of works, conveyed through two traditional leaders from the region—the Otaru of Auchi and the Ogieneni of Uzairue—regarding the commencement of road rehabilitation.
Recently, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of only N200 million for road reconstruction in the 2024 budget.
A lecturer from the Federal Polytechnic commented, “Navigating Auchi and its surroundings has been challenging in the last two days due to the highway blockade, extending its impact to adjoining roads and streets in the town.
Given the current fuel prices, driving is impractical, leading to increased reliance on commercial vehicles for transportation within the town.”
