Motorists travelling on the Lokoja–Abuja highway have been stranded in a severe traffic gridlock that has persisted for three days, just days before the Christmas celebrations.
Drivers who spoke with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) said the congestion began early Saturday and showed no signs of easing as of Sunday evening. One motorist said he had been stuck on the road with his family since 7 a.m. while travelling to Enugu.
The traffic situation has been particularly severe around the Koton Karfe axis, where reports indicate that two fallen trucks blocked the road, triggering the massive congestion. Estimates suggest that the queue of vehicles and trucks stretched between three and five miles.
Some commuters were forced to abandon the highway and take dusty off-road routes in an attempt to bypass the blockage.
Security agencies, including personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), have been deployed to the affected areas to manage traffic and restore movement.
Ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Kogi State Government had initiated preventive measures to curb traffic congestion along the highway. A state government team led by Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, had earlier inspected critical sections of the road and identified areas requiring urgent intervention.
According to Omodara, the initiative was approved by the State Executive Council as part of efforts to prevent recurring festive-season gridlock and ensure smooth vehicular movement.
The state government said the measures were aimed at guaranteeing safe and seamless travel for commuters during the holiday period.
