Commuters traveling from Nyanya and neighboring areas into Abuja were stranded for hours this morning as a massive protest led to a complete traffic standstill on the expressway. The demonstration, which began early Monday, caused serious congestion stretching from Mararaba through Nyanya down to the city center.
According to eyewitnesses, protesters occupied parts of the main road, while security personnel mounted roadblocks in an attempt to maintain order. This resulted in a total shutdown of vehicular movement, leaving hundreds of motorists and passengers stuck in traffic for several hours.
Many residents heading to work and school expressed frustration over the situation, describing the experience as both stressful and exhausting. “I’ve been in one spot for almost two hours. I left home before 7 a.m., and I’m still not close to the city,” one commuter lamented.
Commercial drivers also complained about the loss of income due to the gridlock, as most passengers were forced to trek long distances to find alternative routes. Some motorists reportedly abandoned their vehicles by the roadside after running out of fuel.
The protest, whose cause remains under investigation, has drawn a heavy presence of police and other security agencies, who are currently stationed at major junctions to prevent escalation.
As of the time of filing this report, movement along the Nyanya–Karu–Mararaba axis remains slow, with traffic stretching several kilometers. Residents are advised to delay travel plans or seek alternative routes until the situation improves.
