Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Angry youths have blocked sections of the ever busy Benin–Lagos Expressway near the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ugbowo Campus, protesting worsening economic conditions.
The demonstrators blocked the highway for several hours, disrupting vehicular movement and leaving commuters stranded.
They demanded urgent government intervention to address rising food prices, unemployment and the high cost of living.
Eyewitnesses said the protest grew as more youths joined, chanting slogans and insisting authorities must respond to the deepening economic strain on citizens.
A public affairs analyst, Jide Ojo, said the protest reflects growing frustration among young Nigerians
“The hardship in the country is biting harder, and many young people feel political leaders are not connecting enough with their daily realities,” he said.
The protest comes amid recent political remarks by the Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, who had projected that the state would deliver as many as 3.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The claim has sparked debate amid prevailing economic challenges and past voting statistics in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Edo State Government, while security presence around Benin metropolis was being reinforced to prevent the breaking down of law and order.
