Commuters and motorists trying to beat Saturday’s Edo governorship election movement restriction got stranded at the Jattu junction on Benin-Auchi-Okene highway of Etsako West Local Government Area.
The affected persons had anticipated that enforcement of the order would start from 8:00 am, but security agents blocked strategic routes before 7:00 am.
Apart from officers of the police, military, civil defence and immigration personnel, other paramilitary agencies were part of the movement restriction team.
A significant number of heavy duty trucks, smaller vehicles, motorcycles, and commuters were seen in long queues at the junction.
Some of the drivers who spoke claimed they were travelling from Abuja to Delta, but were refused passage by the security personnel.
Similarly, some of the commuters stranded at the junction said they had gone out of their houses to buy foodstuff for breakfast before going to vote not knowing that they would be caught up in the web of the movement restriction.
Mr Musa Adamu, a truck driver, said the army refused them passage in spite of explanations that they were only passing through Edo en route to Delta.
“I am coming from Abuja going to Delta and I had felt we could cross Edo before 8:00 am.
“I am surprised that on getting to Jattu junction we were stopped by the military personnel who barricaded the road, refused us access,” he said
Another motorist, Hakeem Saliu said he left Benin early with the intention of crossing the junction, but was held here before 7:00 am.
“The security personnel said that we should remain here until the election is over and that is unfair,” Mr Saliu said.
(NAN)
