On Wednesday, hundreds of youths blocked the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Road in Edo State, protesting the road’s severely dilapidated condition.
They argued that the poor state of the road, combined with a lack of adequate infrastructure, has led to a high rate of kidnappings.
The protesters lamented that kidnapping has become a daily occurrence and criticized political office holders from the area for being insensitive to their struggles.
The demonstration caused significant gridlock, leaving travelers, including heavy-duty vehicles, stranded for several hours.
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The youths also highlighted the case of Okasime Olowojoba, a Labour Party (LP) chieftain who has been kidnapped for nearly a month, despite over ₦5 million being paid as ransom.
One of the protesters, Paul Lawani, stated, “We cannot continue to be slaves in our country, the government should come and tell us what they are doing.”
He pointed out that none of the three General Hospitals in the Akoko-Edo local government area are functioning properly and argued that the area is ripe for a military base, unlike some regions where they might not be as critically needed.
Lawani urged the state government to address the road conditions and the rampant kidnappings, lamenting, “One of our brothers has been with the kidnappers for almost one month; they have collected money in millions, they are yet to release him.”
The protesters further accused security agents in the area of neglecting their duties and vowed to continue their demonstration until the state government responds.
The road was eventually reopened after the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Adehce Saiki, sent emissaries who assured the protesters that he had already written to the state government regarding the poor road conditions and the high level of kidnappings.
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