Motorists and commuters were stranded for more than three hours on Sunday following a major traffic gridlock along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Edo State.
The congestion stretched between Ovia Bridge and Okada Junction, leaving several travellers frustrated as heavy-duty trucks, vehicle breakdowns and an accident compounded the situation.
According to reports, many of the affected motorists were drivers of articulated vehicles who had departed Benin early in the morning, hoping to reach their destinations without delay.
Some drivers blamed the gridlock on indiscipline among their colleagues, accusing some truck drivers of parking along the roadside to sleep instead of continuing their journeys promptly.
They also identified a damaged section of the expressway near the Tipper Garage along the Okada axis as a recurring source of traffic congestion.
A driver identified as Akanni lamented that the failure of some motorists to observe road safety rules had worsened the situation.
Another driver, Chukwu, called for stronger enforcement of traffic regulations by government agencies, particularly the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He also appealed to the Edo State Government to repair the damaged section of the road to improve the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The situation deteriorated further when some impatient motorists began driving against the flow of traffic, creating additional obstructions and prolonging the delay.
Reacting to the development, the Edo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Preye Bedford, said officers monitored the area periodically and were deployed when accidents or vehicle breakdowns were reported.
He urged motorists to exercise patience and comply with traffic regulations to prevent further congestion.
The incident has renewed concerns over the condition of the busy highway, with motorists calling for urgent road repairs and more effective traffic management to ease movement along the route.
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