Protesters under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Edo State, yesterday, barricaded the Jattu axis on the Benin-Auchi highway to protest the deplorable state of the federal road.
The protesters drawn from various communities in Auchi disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movements. Speaking to newsmen, a protester, who simply identified himself as John, said the protest was to register their displeasure over the worsening condition of federal roads in the state, most especially the Okene-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin expressway.
“We are expressing our anger and frustration at the poor conditions of the roads, which have made transportation difficult and dangerous for drivers and passengers,” John said.
Addressing the protesters, Chairman of Etsako West Local Council, Marvellous Muhizu Zibiri, decried the level of insincerity, lack of political will, and lack of commitment by the Federal Government to address the situation, which, he said, has led to hardship and loss of economic prosperity.
Zibiri called on the protesters to remain calm and law-abiding, and avoid taking actions that could lead to violence or destruction of properties.
He called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, to take urgent action to repair federal roads in the state, stressing that they are in disrepair and pose threat to the safety and well-being of the people.
