Protesters under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Edo State on Tuesday barricaded the Jattu axis on the Benin-Auchi Highway over the deplorable condition of the federal road.
The protesters drawn from the various communities in Auchi disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movements over the worsening condition of the Highway.
Speaking to newsmen, a protester, who simply identified himself as John said the protest is to register their displeasure over the deplorable state of federal roads in the state, most especially the Okene-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin express way.
“We are expressing our anger and frustration at the poor conditions of the roads, which have made transportation difficult and dangerous for drivers and passengers.”John said.
Addressing the protesters, Chairman of Etsako West Council, Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri decried the level of insincerity, lack of political will and lack of total commitment by the federal government to address the situation, which has led to untold hardship and loss of economic prosperity.
Zibiri called on the protesters to remain calm and law-abiding, and to avoid taking actions that could lead to violence or destruction of properties.
The Chairman equally called on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, to take urgent action to repair the federal roads in the state, which are in a state of disrepair and pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the people.