Soldiers Set Roadbloacks ahead of Protests (1).jpg
Military officers have blocked the Keffi-Abuja expressway, causing severe traffic jams and disrupting commuters ahead of a nationwide protest against Nigeria's economic hardship. The unannounced roadblock has led to frustration among travelers, reflecting growing tensions about rising living costs and government policies.

On Monday, commuters traveling on the Keffi-Abuja expressway faced significant disruptions as military officers set up a roadblock at Sani Abacha Barracks, near the AYA roundabout. The blockade, which extended to Nyanya Bridge over 12 kilometers away, was implemented to conduct a stop-and-search operation on vehicles entering Abuja.

The unannounced roadblock led to severe gridlock, affecting civil servants and traders commuting from areas like Nyanya, Karu, Maraba, and Masaka, who were forced to turn back after being stuck for hours. This operation comes just three days ahead of a planned nationwide protest set to begin on August 1, which aims to address the rising cost of living and economic challenges in Nigeria.

Reactions to the blockade have been mixed. On social media, some users expressed frustration at the apparent preemptive action by security forces, with comments suggesting the blockade might be an effort to prevent the upcoming protests. Others criticized the lack of advanced notice and the perceived inefficiency of traffic management, with remarks about the absence of modern tools like drones for news coverage.

Twitter users voiced their opinions, with some noting the blockade's potential to escalate tensions, while others sarcastically commented on the situation, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Nigeria.