Traffic along the Lagos/Ore/Benin Expressway was disrupted on Wednesday after some truck drivers blocked the Oniparaga axis in protest over alleged extortion by police officers in Ondo State.
The action left many motorists and passengers stranded for several hours on the busy highway, causing significant delays and frustration among road users.
The protest has grounded free flow of traffic for several hours on the ever-busy road.
Some of the travelers who spoke with our Reporter called on the authorities to immediate address the demand of the protesters to allow stranded motorists to move.
When contacted, the Spokesman of the Ondo state police command, Abayomi Jimoh denied the allegation.
Jimoh said: “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.
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“Preliminary findings reveal that the disruption to traffic was caused by a tanker driver who deliberately obstructed a section of the highway following a disagreement with police officers performing their lawful duties.
“The action resulted in a temporary traffic gridlock and inconvenience to commuters. Contrary to reports being circulated, the situation was not a protest against police extortion, nor was it precipitated by any unlawful conduct on the part of police personnel.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu has directed the deployment of additional security and traffic management personnel to the area to maintain order and ensure the safety of road users.
“Efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to clear the obstruction and restore the free flow of traffic. The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and disregard misleading reports while awaiting updates through official channels.”
The police urged the public to disregard what it described as misinformation and await official updates.
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