Travelers stranded as Lokoja -Abuja gridlock worsens

Thousands of travelers have become trapped on the Lokoja-Abuja Road by worsening gridlock on Friday. The congestion and traffic standstill is a function of the bad condition of that portion  of the road on that corridor. Several travelers have, accordingly, been stranded.

Meanwhile, the  Kogi Government, in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies,  including the  military, are battling to ease the gridlock on the Lokoja-Abuja road since Friday evening.

Officials of  government, FRSC, military, and police manned the road  from the Murtala Mohammed bridge through Koton Karfa to Ozi community near Gegu, controlling  traffic to loose the gridlock.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, Tenimu Etuku, stated that  more strategies were being deployed to overcome the gridlock  and ease the plight of travelers.

“We have pulled out four fallen articulated vehicles from the road yet the traffic  persisted  due to impatience by motorists. They hardly listen or wait for clearance of a route.

“The drivers are the  problem. Truck drivers can deliberately block the highway on the  slightest provocation, not minding the consequences, particularly on travelers and other motorists.

“We had two of such incidences on Sunday, even after we  opened  the gridlock on Saturday night. We are trying our best to ease the built up traffic, ” he said.

Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Kogi State Security Adviser, described the situation as “very unfortunate ” and “uncalled for” at such a critical festive season.

Omodara said that critical sections of the road requiring immediate attention had been  identified and taken care of to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

He said  the state is collaborating with the    FRSC, military, police and others to ensure safe and seamless travel for commuters during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“Some travelers  spent hours, even the night on the  Lokoja-Abuja-Lokoja highway before continuing  their journeys to either the Southern or Northern parts of the country.

“The gridlocks  were  also caused by ongoing road constructions across the state.

“There had been repeated assurances by the Federal Ministry of Works  that traffic will not be an obstacle to intending road users, yet the situation had worsened.”

He, however , assured travelers of freeing the highway and other roads in Kogi by Monday,  to ensure smooth movement.

“We are trusting God to help us restore normal traffic flow along the  expressway. this Monday.” (NAN)