Thousands of youths from various communities in Edo State, under the umbrella of the Edo Youth Coalition for Survival, today barricaded the ever-busy Benin–Lagos Expressway, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt in a major protest against worsening economic hardship.
The protesters, who gathered as early as 6 a.m. near the Oluku axis of the expressway, used bonfires, heavy stones, and abandoned vehicles to block both lanes of the highway. Long queues of commuters, travelers, and truck drivers were seen stranded for several kilometers, while security personnel looked on from a distance.
Chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with messages such as “End the Hunger,” “Fuel Subsidy Pain Is Real,” “Our Youths Are Dying,” and “Edo Can’t Breathe,” the demonstrators accused both federal and state governments of failing to address the rising cost of living, unemployment, and the collapse of local industries in the region.
Spokesperson for the coalition, Miss Osas Aigbovo, said in a statement at the protest ground: “We are not criminals. We are hungry, frustrated youths who have watched our leaders turn a blind eye while we suffer. The removal of fuel subsidy was supposed to save us, but instead, we face endless queues, transport fares have tripled, food is now a luxury, and our graduates roam the streets with nothing to show for their degrees. This barricade is the only language we believe the government will understand.”
The Benin Lagos Expressway, a critical artery for commercial activity between the South-South and South-West regions, was completely shut down for over five hours, causing significant economic disruption. Many travelers were forced to turn back or seek alternative but unsafe routes.
Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State Command, CSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident, stating that officers have been deployed to prevent the situation from escalating into violence. He appealed to the protesters to express their grievances through dialogue rather than blocking public infrastructure.
“While the police respect the right to peaceful protest, obstructing a major federal highway is an offense. We urge the youths to clear the road and nominate leaders for a meeting with the state government,” Nwabuzor said.
However, by 1:00 PM, the protesters remained adamant, vowing to maintain the barricade until the federal government addresses a list of demands, including a return to pre-subsidy removal fuel prices, a state-wide youth employment scheme, and an immediate reduction in the cost of staple foods.
Local government officials have reportedly reached out to traditional rulers in the area to mediate. Meanwhile, motorists and residents have called on the authorities to act swiftly, as the blockade threatens fuel supply and perishable goods moving through the region.