Truck Drivers Block Lagos/Ore/Benin Highway Over Alleged Police Extortion

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.

Several travelers appealed to authorities to urgently intervene and resolve the situation to restore movement and ease the hardship faced by commuters trapped in the gridlock.

However, the Ondo State Police Command has denied the allegations of extortion linked to the incident. Its spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said the reports circulating on social media were false and misleading.

According to the police statement, preliminary findings indicated that the disruption was caused by a tanker driver who deliberately obstructed the highway following a disagreement with officers carrying out lawful duties. The command maintained that the situation was not a protest against police extortion.

The statement further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered the deployment of additional personnel to manage traffic, restore order, and ensure the safety of road users.

The police urged the public to disregard what it described as misinformation and await official updates.