Passengers stranded as articulated vehicles block Makurdi-Lafia highway

HUNDREDS of articulated vehicles have blocked the two lanes of the Makurdi-Lafia dual carriage highway in Makurdi, Benue State, leaving several passengers stranded on the busy route.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that the front windscreens of some of the vehicles were smashed.

NAN also noticed the presence of military personnel in the area to ensure the situation did not escalate.

One of the military personnel who spoke to NAN on the condition of anonymity, said they did not know what exactly transpired, but they were around to ensure law and order.

The soldier said the situation was compounded by the absence of the drivers who abandoned their trucks and left the scene.

A driver, Yusuf Muhammed, said the problem started at a revenue checkpoint where drivers were compelled to pay.

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“I can say exactly how it started because my vehicle is very far behind, but I learnt that the drivers whose windscreens were smashed are insisting that they must be replaced before they leave the road,” Muhammed said.

A passenger travelling in a Sharon bus that got trapped said she had been at the spot since 11am.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Aondogu Orchia, explained that the cause of the blockade was as a result of an altercation between the truck drivers and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers at the checkpoint close to Agan Toll Gate.

Orchia said, according to reports, they had an altercation, and some of the drivers were injured.

“The drivers came back to the Lafia garage and mobilised others to block the road.

“Currently, the Makurdi Council Chairman, the Area Commander, and the leadership of the drivers are in a meeting to resolve the issue,” he said.