Angry Youths Barricade Benin-Lagos Road, Decry Rising Cost of Living

Angry Youths Barricade Benin-Lagos Road, Decry Rising Cost of Living
Bonfires were also set along the road, leading to a massive gridlock that left motorists and commuters stranded for hours
Observers say the protest reflects growing frustration among young Nigerians

Hundreds of youths on Wednesday took over the busy Benin-Lagos Expressway, protesting against worsening economic hardship in the country.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the protesters, mostly students of the University of Benin, blocked both sides of the highway using logs, vehicles, and burning tyres, bringing movement to a halt.

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Bonfires were also set along the road, leading to a massive gridlock that left motorists and commuters stranded for hours.

Many passengers were forced to abandon their vehicles and trek to their destinations within Benin City, while some travellers turned back in search of alternative routes.

The demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “No to petrol hike,” “No to bad roads,” and “APC must go,” expressing frustration over rising living costs and poor infrastructure.

Angry Youths Barricade Benin-Lagos Road, Decry Rising Cost of Living

They cited several concerns, including increased petrol prices, irregular power supply, bad roads, and the high cost of food, calling for urgent government intervention.

In a video circulating online, one of the protesters said the action was aimed at drawing attention to the struggles faced by many Nigerians.

“There is hardship in this country, and the government is not doing enough. Students are starving, families are struggling, and this is the only way our voices can be heard,” he said.

Observers say the protest reflects growing frustration among young Nigerians, many of whom feel increasingly disconnected from government policies amid rising economic pressure.