PROTEST DISRUPTS LAGOS-ORE EXPRESSWAY IN ONDO AS POLICE DENY EXTORTION ALLEGATIONS

 PROTEST DISRUPTS LAGOS-ORE EXPRESSWAY IN ONDO AS POLICE DENY EXTORTION ALLEGATIONS

Traffic movement along the busy Lagos-Ore-Benin Expressway in Ondo State was severely disrupted on Wednesday after truck drivers blocked a section of the highway at the Oniparaga axis, leaving hundreds of commuters and travellers stranded for several hours.

According to reports gathered at the scene, the blockage followed grievances reportedly raised by truck drivers over alleged extortion by police officers operating along the route. The development caused heavy traffic congestion on one of Nigeria’s major transport corridors, affecting motorists traveling between Lagos and several states in the South-West and South-South regions.

Several stranded commuters who spoke on the situation appealed to relevant authorities to urgently intervene and resolve the issue to restore normal vehicular movement on the highway.

However, the Ondo State Police Command has dismissed reports linking the road blockage to allegations of police extortion, describing such claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said preliminary findings showed that the traffic disruption was caused by a tanker driver who intentionally obstructed a section of the road following a disagreement with police officers carrying out their lawful duties.

The statement explained that contrary to circulating reports, the incident was not a coordinated protest against police extortion and did not result from any unlawful conduct by officers of the command.

“The Ondo State Police Command has noted reports circulating on some media platforms alleging that a protest along the Lagos–Ore–Benin Expressway was triggered by the extortion of motorists by police personnel. The Command wishes to categorically debunk these allegations and state that they are entirely false and misleading,” the statement said.

According to the police, the disagreement involving the tanker driver led to a temporary blockage of the highway, creating a major traffic gridlock and causing inconvenience to road users.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, has reportedly ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel and traffic management officers to the affected area to maintain law and order while ensuring the safety of commuters.

Authorities also confirmed that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to clear the obstruction and restore free flow of traffic on the expressway.

The police command urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports circulating online and rely on official channels for accurate updates regarding the incident.

The Lagos-Ore-Benin Expressway remains one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, serving as a major route connecting Lagos to several parts of the country, making any disruption along the corridor capable of causing widespread transportation challenges.