Trucks, Passengers Stranded On Auchi-Benin Highway For Days

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2024

Hundreds of articulated vehicles have been left stranded on the busy Auchi-Benin highway for over four days owing to the deplorable state of the highway.

The long queue of the stranded vehicles spanned over 10 kilometres from Aviele to Iyamoh axis of the highway.

The Aviele section of the road, like several other parts of the over 140km highway, has collapsed.

Some of the drivers, particularly those conveying perishable goods from the Northern part of the country to South, lament their loss.

A driver, Mallam Isa Adamu said he has spent four days on the road and had to dispose off his perishable goods cheaply in order not to incur complete loss.

Another driver, Murtala Isiaku said several of his livestock have died owing to long stay without food and water.

According to him, “I tried getting some edible grass for them here to survive, of course, it’s like several persons pursuing fewer materials.

“I am not the only driver carrying goats and other animals, we all have to struggle for the little available to take care of our animals.

“While some have sold off their goods cheaply, I have also seen some discharging their cows here to enter into the bush with the help of herdsmen they hired here.”

Meanwhile, a motorist with a popular transport line in Auchi who identified himself as Lucky, said the blockage has necessitated them to take a longer route to Benin from Auchi.

“For days now, we have not been able to go to Benin through Ekpoma because of the blockage.

“Several protests have been made to get government’s attention to fix this road, yet, things seem to be going from bad to worse.

“This bad Aviele section is only an addition to several other bad portions of the highway from Auchi to Benin.

“We are in for a terrible time this season as the rain is yet to set in fully,” he stated.

It will be recalled that on Monday, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi terminated the contract of the three contractors handling the project from Benin to Obajana in Kogi state for poor performance.

Lagos Govt Begins Clearance Of Illegal Structures Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway

Published

5 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Government has begun a coordinated enforcement exercise along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway aimed at dismantling illegal structures and easing traffic congestion on the busy corridor.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development on Monday via a statement shared on his official X account.

According to Wahab, the clearance operation took off at Alakija in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area before moving through Iyana Iba.

He said enforcement activities are currently ongoing opposite Lagos State University, LASU, with additional operations being carried out around Alaba Market in Ojo Local Government Area.

He explained that operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Agency, LAGESA, working alongside other enforcement units under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, are leading the exercise.

“The clearance operation commenced at Alakija and has progressed through Iyana Iba. It is presently ongoing opposite LASU, with active enforcement also taking place at Alaba Market along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway,” Wahab stated.

The commissioner noted that the exercise is part of the state government’s commitment to improving environmental hygiene, restoring order to public spaces and ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles along the expressway, in line with established environmental and urban planning regulations.

Metro

Nigerian Army Confirms Arrest Of Suspected Suicide Bombing Facilitators

Published

5 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army said its troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), following intelligent gathering, have arrested eight suspects including two principal suspects believed to be key facilitators within the suicide bombing network.

Media Information Officer
Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI who stated this, in a statement on Monday, said, a search of the arrested suspects’ residence led to the recovery of cash, mobile phones, identification documents, ATM cards, jewellery, and other personal effects, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis to support ongoing investigations.

It said during identification procedures, a suspect already in custody positively identified the two principal suspects as individuals who supplied materials used in preparing the Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The statement confirmed that additional occupants of the residence were also linked to the network, adding that all suspects remain in military custody, undergoing detailed interrogation to facilitate further intelligence recovery before being transferred for continued investigation.

In a related development, OPHK troops intercepted a large consignment of suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State on 4 January 2026.

The troops seized 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a total volume of approximately 1,125 litres, suspected to have been smuggled for terrorist use.

The suppliers reportedly fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning the petroleum products, which are now in military custody pending further action.

Metro

Delta Police Command Punishes DPO Over Extortion, Intimidation Involving Good Samaritan

Published

5 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The Delta State Police Command has removed and sanctioned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the GRA Division, Asaba, over allegations of extortion and intimidation involving a good Samaritan.

The action may not be unconnected to the unlawfully detention of Tomi Wojuola, help a stranger who collapsed on the road.

The incident gained attention after Wojuola shared his experience online, accusing officers at the GRA Police station, prompting swift reactions on social media.

According to Wojuola, he rushed the unconscious man to the hospital in a bid to save his life. However, the victim reportedly died shortly after they arrived at the medical facility.

Wojuola explained that after the man’s death, he followed due process by requesting police involvement. “Instead of receiving assistance, l was detained at the GRA Police station in Asaba and treated as a suspect”

In his account, Wojuola alleged that he was accused of murder and had his statement taken under caution.

He further claimed that the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), identified as CSP Joseph Udoh, threatened him for intervening in the situation.

“To tell you how wicked some officers of the Nigerian Police Force could be, I was instead accused of murder,” Wojuola wrote. “The DPO told me he must deal with me for acting like ‘Jesus’. Those were his exact words.”

He added that the officer allegedly warned him that after the experience, he would never attempt to help a dying person again, even though the deceased man’s family had reportedly confirmed that their son had an underlying medical condition.

Wojuola further alleged that he was only released after the intervention of a high-ranking government official, claiming that the police extorted money from him as bail, leaving just N2,000 in his bank account.

Reacting to the viral allegations, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, confirmed on Saturday that disciplinary action had been taken against the DPO involved.

“The guy has since been contacted, the DPO removed and sanctioned, and the money refunded,” Edafe wrote in an official update.

Wojuola later confirmed the development on his Facebook page, thanking members of the public for their support.

“DPO removed and sanctioned. Money refunded. Thanks all. Naija go better one day!” he said.