Residents of Edo State in Nigeria have blocked the Benin-Agbor Bypass, a major route connecting communities and supporting movement between Edo and Delta states, to demand urgent repairs to the road. The protest, which took place on Thursday, August 20, comes as reconstruction of the wider Benin-Agbor-Asaba highway continues.
Residents Protest Poor Road Conditions
Residents and motorists have protested the poor condition of the Benin-Agbor Bypass, calling for urgent action to make the road usable. The protest has severely disrupted movement, with commuters spending about four hours on the route. One resident said people had spent about four hours trying to get through the area.
The protest took place on Thursday, August 20, as commuters faced heavy traffic and difficult driving conditions along the route. Videos from the scene showed several vehicles, including trucks, struggling through muddy portions of the road while protesters gathered to demand government intervention.
Edo State Government Tackles Road Failures Elsewhere in Benin City
The protest also comes as the Edo State Government tackles road failures elsewhere in Benin City. Motorists and pedestrians struggle to navigate the deep mud and poor driving conditions on Okhun Road. The government recently announced plans to rehabilitate Okhun Road, off Upper Siluko Road, after parts of the route deteriorated.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa said funds had been provided for the project in the 2026 budget and that procurement for the full rehabilitation had started. In the meantime, palliative work is being carried out to improve movement until comprehensive reconstruction can begin after the rainy season.
Reconstruction of the Wider Benin-Agbor-Asaba Highway
Reconstruction of the wider Benin-Agbor-Asaba highway is ongoing, with the concession company saying work continues on several sections and drainage improvements are being made. The project stretches from the Kings Square area of Benin City to the Summit Road Junction in Asaba and was officially launched in March 2025.
The Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), which is handling the project, said in June that construction had not been suspended or abandoned. According to the company, work was continuing on several sections of the approximately 145-kilometre highway. Contractors are expanding and strengthening drainage infrastructure in areas where construction had contributed to temporary flooding.
Residents Demand Immediate Relief
The latest protest shows that residents along the Benin-Agbor route are also seeking immediate relief, particularly as congestion and poor road conditions continue to make daily travel difficult. One protester appealed to the government to focus on fixing the road rather than offering financial assistance.
The crowd also chanted, “All we are saying, give us good road.” A resident said, “APC, we no dey collect money. Make una do our road for us. Tinubu, we no need money, make una do our road for us.” The demonstration adds to concerns about the condition of the Benin-Agbor corridor, a major route connecting communities and supporting movement between Edo and Delta states.
Source: Pulse.ng
