Stranded Motorists and Commuters Cry Foul as Edo Governorship Election Movement Restriction Bites

Commuters and motorists trying to beat the movement restriction imposed ahead of Saturday’s Edo governorship election found themselves stuck at the Jattu junction on the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway of Etsako West Local Government Area. According to reports, the affected individuals had anticipated that enforcement of the order would start at 8 a.m., only to discover that security agents had blocked strategic routes as early as 7 a.m.

Apart from the police, personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Services, and other paramilitary agencies were part of the movement restriction team. As a result, a significant number of heavy-duty trucks, smaller vehicles, motorcycles, and commuters were seen waiting in long queues at the junction.

Many drivers, who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), claimed they were traveling from Abuja to Delta but were refused passage by security personnel. For instance, truck driver Musa Adamu explained that despite explaining their route to the army, they were refused passage.

“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,” Adamu said.

Another motorist, Hakeem Saliu, who left Benin early to cross the junction, was also held back before 7 a.m. “The security personnel said that we should remain here until the election is over and that is unfair,” Saliu said.

The stranded commuters, who had ventured out to buy food-stuff for breakfast before heading to the polling stations, were caught off guard by the unexpected roadblock. With the election ongoing, it remains to be seen how long these motorists and commuters will be stuck at the junction, waiting for the movement restriction to be lifted.