Motorists and commuters across Lagos were left stranded on Thursday, June 5, as severe gridlock paralysed major routes, especially along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, causing hours-long delays and widespread frustration.
The traffic bottleneck, which began at the notorious Otedola Bridge, extended past the Lagos-Ogun State boundary and reached the Fatgbem Filling Station, effectively halting vehicular movement and leaving many with no choice but to trek.
The congestion, attributed to heightened pre-Sallah activities at the Kara market—famous for ram sales during festive periods—caused a significant breakdown in transportation, especially for those heading to areas like Mowe, Wawa, Magboro, and Arepo.
At the Berger Bus Stop, a usually bustling transit point, the chaos was evident as buses became immobile and stranded passengers overtook the area.
Opportunistic street vendors took advantage of the standstill to hawk water and snacks between vehicles.
Commercial drivers increased fares sharply, with some charging up to N2,000 for routes that normally cost between N500 and N700. Meanwhile, a few private vehicle owners showed compassion by offering rides to weary pedestrians.
Confirming the cause of the gridlock, Florence Okpe, spokesperson for the Ogun State FRSC Command, attributed the congestion to increased activities at the Kara Market ahead of the Eid celebration.
“Our officials are on the ground and will continue to manage the traffic throughout the festive period,” she assured.
With no immediate relief in sight, commuters are calling on the Lagos and Ogun state governments to intervene and provide a lasting solution to the perennial Sallah-season traffic nightmare.
