Abuja – Stranded residents on Monday morning expressed frustration and anger over the decision of security forces to mount barricades at several strategic points within Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja — a move that resulted in severe gridlock across major routes.
The security operation reportedly followed plans by Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and several activists to stage a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The demonstrators had scheduled to march towards the State House, the official residence of President Bola Tinubu, sparking heightened security measures across the city.
As a result, commuters from Bwari, Ushafa, Dutse, and parts of Kubwa were left stranded for hours, unable to reach the city centre. Similar reports of gridlock emerged along the Nyanya–Mararaba axis, where security checkpoints brought traffic to a standstill.
In the Sokale area, one motorist, Usman Jibrin, lamented being stuck in the same spot for over an hour. “If people want to go to the Villa, why should it affect those of us on the outskirts? Are they scared that protesters would be brought in this morning? This is punishment, and God is watching,” he said.
The situation left many workers unable to reach their offices, as security operatives maintained barricades throughout the morning in anticipation of the planned protest.
