MILITARY ENFORCEMENT OF MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS CAUSES MAJOR TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK IN FCT

Traffic in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) came to a near standstill on Tuesday, February 21, as military enforcement of movement restrictions coincided with the FCT Area Council elections. The congestion was particularly severe at Karu Bridge, one of the main entry points into Abuja city.Commuters reported long delays, with vehicles bumper-to-bumper for several kilometers. Motorists and passengers expressed frustration, citing difficulty in navigating the checkpoints manned by soldiers and security personnel enforcing the temporary movement restrictions.Eyewitnesses described scenes of officers stopping cars and motorcycles for verification, while some drivers were redirected to alternative routes. The Nigerian military stated that these measures were necessary to maintain security and ensure a smooth conduct of the elections across the territory.Authorities advised residents to plan ahead, use alternative routes where possible, and allow extra travel time as security operations continued throughout the day.Impact on Commuters:Major delays for both private and commercial vehicles.Increased travel time for workers, students, and voters heading to polling units.Limited movement in adjacent roads leading to overflow congestion.Officials’ Statement:A spokesperson for the military emphasized that the restrictions were temporary and intended to ensure public safety during the elections. Commuters were urged to cooperate with security personnel and follow official guidelines.