Some youths on Wednesday blocked parts of the busy Benin–Lagos Expressway near the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, in protest against worsening economic conditions and what they described as unfulfilled political promises.
The demonstrators shut down sections of the highway for hours, disrupting traffic and leaving many commuters stranded.
They called for urgent government action to address increasing food prices, unemployment, and the general rise in the cost of living.
Eyewitnesses said the protest gained momentum as more youths joined, chanting slogans and insisting that authorities respond to the economic challenges affecting citizens.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly appealed to the protesters to reopen the road, but the youths declined.
They were said to have insisted that they would not vacate the highway until their concerns were addressed.
One of the protesters said, “We are not leaving the road until the government listens to us. There is no electricity to run businesses, fuel prices have led to a high cost of living, and it is becoming unbearable.”
A resident of Benin, Lucky Efese, who was travelling to Ukhunmwun in Ovia North-East, said he had to reroute his journey after encountering the blockade near the University of Benin.
He said the protesters were reacting to the hardship linked to rising fuel pump prices.
“The protesters blocked the road near UNIBEN’s main gate, causing gridlock. I later heard that the road was blocked for over four hours,” he added.
A staff member of the University of Benin, who identified himself as Ordia, said the protest began on Tuesday and had continued to affect movement in the area.
“The protest actually started on Tuesday and has caused a lot of traffic problems in this area. It’s been tough,” he said.
“The protesters are complaining about the incessant blackout and rising cost of living due to the increase in fuel prices. Hopefully, the protest will not create further problems for residents who use the road daily.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Government had not issued an official statement, while security presence around Benin metropolis has been strengthened to prevent further escalation.
