Kogi Govt, FRSC, Military Move to Clear Persistent Lokoja–Abuja Traffic Gridlock

The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the military, and other security agencies, is working to resolve the severe traffic gridlock that has paralysed the Lokoja–Abuja Road since Friday evening.

Government officials, FRSC personnel, soldiers and police officers were deployed along key sections of the highway, from the Murtala Mohammed Bridge through Koton Karfa to Ozi community near Gegu, to control traffic and ease the congestion.

The Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Tenimu Etuku, said additional strategies were being implemented to address the situation and reduce the hardship faced by travellers.

“We have pulled out four fallen articulated vehicles from the road yet the traffic persisted due to impatience by motorists. They hardly listen or wait for clearance of a route,” Etuku said.

He blamed much of the congestion on the behaviour of truck drivers. “The drivers are the problem. Truck drivers can deliberately block the highway on the slightest provocation, not minding the consequences, particularly on travellers and other motorists.

“We had two of such incidences on Sunday, even after we opened the gridlock on Saturday night. We are trying our best to ease the built-up traffic,” he added.

Kogi State Security Adviser, Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, described the gridlock as “very unfortunate” and “uncalled for,” especially during the festive season.

Omodara said critical portions of the road requiring urgent intervention had been identified and addressed to improve traffic flow. He added that the state government was working closely with the FRSC, military, police and other agencies to ensure safe and smooth travel during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“Some travellers spent hours, even the night on the Lokoja–Abuja–Lokoja highway before continuing their journeys to either the southern or northern parts of the country,” he said.

He noted that the gridlock was worsened by ongoing road construction across the state, despite repeated assurances from the Federal Ministry of Works that traffic would not be disrupted.

However, Omodara assured commuters that efforts were ongoing to fully clear the highway and other major roads in Kogi. “We are trusting God to help us restore normal traffic flow along the expressway this Monday,” he said.

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