Motorists, traders, and residents along the Benin-Agbor Road have lamented the slow and chaotic spate of repairs on the federal highway, which, according to them has damaged their vehicles, disrupting transport, business activities, and general livelihoods.

Despite ongoing rehabilitation works by the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited, road users said the efforts are moving too slowly to address the worsening conditions.

The road, which has shown signs of severe wear and failure since 2018, when former governor Godwin Obaseki labelled it a federal road, has deteriorated over the years due to poor drainage design and lack of maintenance.

A section of the road, stretching from the Christ Chosen Church of God main gate through Guinness Warehouse and Winners chapel, up to the Jehovah Junction, has been excavated and left with deep gullies which often leave heavy duty vehicles fallen in parts.

READ ALSO:Motorists, Commuters Lament Slow Pace Of Repairs On Benin-Sapele Road

A resident of Ikhueniro near the bad stretch, Frederick Asuen, said since moving into his apartment in 2023, daily commuting has become a struggle.

“Since I parked into my apartment in 2023, it has been a nightmare coming into the city and going back home at close of work.”

“I had to be leaving my car, an SUV at home to use public transport. That is after repeated breakdown inside the gullies and expensive trips to my mechanic and Imma not alone.

” Many who live at Okhuahie and Uvbe using this road have all given up. And I praise the shuttle bus drivers and all commercial vehicles who have no option but to use this road daily. My brother it is like hell”.

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He explained that journeys that should ordinarily cost ₦700 and between 60 and 90 minutes now costs ₦1200 and often last 3 to 4 hours, especially in the morning and evenings.

Tuesday Elemi who operates a bus along the route said the road’s condition has killed their operations.

He said the bad sections of the road have reduced the number of trips they can make daily.

READ ALSO:ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

“The bad state of the road has increased damages to our vehicles even at the risk of our lives occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or are parked for days,” he said.

“The end result is abandoned goods or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”

Elemi added that besides vehicles experiencing damages and requiring frequent repairs, fuel consumption has also quadrupled due to longer travel times and diversions.

Three persons have been killed in a road accident that occurred near the Ogba River bridge in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.

A commercial motorcyclist popularly known as Okada rider and his two passengers were involved.

Eyewitness accounts said the accident occurred on Monday night.

The witnesses said the driver of an SUV car lost control and rammed into the okada rider killing him and his passengers.

READ ALSO:Early Morning Accident Claims Eight Lives, Injures Eight Others In Lagos

Colleagues of the late okada rider took to the streets to protest incessant killings occasioned by accidents along the Airport road.

They claimed the driver of the car was into advance fee fraud known locally as Yahoo Yahoo.

One of the protesters, Abdullahi Usman, said the deceased okada rider was their Secretary.

“These yahoo yahoo boys do not care about another person on the road.

READ ALSO: Early Morning Accident Claims Eight Lives, Injures Eight Others In Lagos

“The accident was very severe. It was the Divisional Police Officer at the Estate Police Station that calmed the situation.”

Edo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Cyril Matthew Zango, could not be reached for comments.

However, the Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu confirmed the accident and said that investigation is continuing on the matter.

“I can confirm to you that the accident and the Okada rider and his passenger were killed. However, investigation is ongoing to bring anyone that is liable to justice.”

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.

Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.

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Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”

The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.

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“We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.

The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.

Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.