As the August 1 nationwide protest looms, the Nigerian military has imposed a roadblock on the crucial Abuja-Keffi Expressway, creating significant disruptions for travelers heading to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On Monday, soldiers set up a checkpoint at the Sani Abacha Barracks, just before the A-Y-A bridge, initiating a ‘stop-and-search’ operation that led to extensive traffic jams stretching back to Nyanya Bridge.
This unexpected blockade caused major delays for commuters, including civil servants and traders from areas like Nyanya, Karu, Maraba, Masaka, and Keffi.
The unannounced checkpoint halted traffic flow for hours, leaving many frustrated travelers with no choice but to turn back and head home.
Authorities and stakeholders continue to appeal to protest organizers to engage in dialogue with the government.
They caution that the protests, set against the backdrop of a struggling economy, could be exploited to worsen the situation if not managed carefully.