Spare part dealers shut down Benin/Lagos expressway

Hundreds of vehicle spare parts dealers in the popular Uwelu International Spare Part Market on Monday shut down the Ugbowo axis of Benin-Lagos expressway, over the deplorable condition of the Uwelu Road that leads to the market.

The traders who also shut their shops in the market, barricaded the ever-busy highway in protest of the Uwelu Road, which they laid had collapsed completely.

The development resulted in heavy traffic gridlock, as motorists coming from Lagos side of the road and those going out could not continue their journey.

Mostly affected were workers of University of Benin (UNIBEN) and those of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Travellers who had boarded buses from the various transport companies were also trapped in the hold up for several hours.

Commuters had to trek from the UNIBEN main gate to Saint Patrick Catholic Church before they could board buses to their respective destinations, while those heading to Ugbowo from Ring Road and New Benin had to track from Five Junction to Ugbowo.

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One of the protesting traders who identified himself simply as Chinedu, said that the deplorable condition of the road has badly affected their businesses, as customers could no longer access the market.

He added that government agents have continued to collect revenue from them.

“Many of our members no longer come to the market as the road has completely cut us off and customers no longer come to partronise us.

“The most annoying part of it is that while we cannot do business in the market, government agents come to the market every day to collect revenue,” he said.

Speaking to our correspondent, a commuter who gave his name Simas Sarah, said she had to trek to Uselu market from 5-Junction, as a result of the traffic gridlock.

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As at the time of filing this report, the protesters said they were prepared to remain on the road until relevant government agents come to address their plight.