A massive and persistent traffic gridlock has crippled the Lokoja-Abuja highway, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for more than 24 hours.
The gridlock stretches from Felele through Natako to Banda and the Jamata Bridge in Kogi State.
It was gathered that the traffic congestion was caused by ongoing road repair works between Lokoja and Jamata Bridge, as well as several broken-down articulated vehicles obstructing the road.
Some motorists who spoke with our correspondent said they had remained trapped in the same spot for more than 24 hours, with little hope of moving anytime soon.
According to them, many passengers had abandoned their vehicles and sought alternative means of transportation to their destinations.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies were seen at various points along the highway trying to control the situation.
One of the officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the situation had been worsened by the impatience of some motorists.
“The situation has become more serious because many motorists are impatient. Everybody is in a hurry to get out of the traffic,” the officer said.
The prolonged gridlock has also created an opportunity for commercial motorcycle operators to make brisk business.
Passengers who could no longer endure the delay and opted to use motorcycles were reportedly charged between N2,500 and N3,000 just to cross the Jamata Bridge.
