Shettima’s Arrival Sparks Massive Gridlock Across Benin City Ahead Of APC Rally

Vehicular movement was severely disrupted across major parts of Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday following the arrival of Vice President Kashim Shettima for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally.

Several roads leading to the Oba’s Palace and Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the rally was scheduled to hold, were reportedly blocked, resulting in heavy traffic congestion across the metropolis.

The affected routes included Airport Road, Plymouth Road, Reservation Road, Exotic Road, Ekenwan Road and several streets within the Government Reservation Area (GRA).

Many motorists were stranded for hours, while commuters who could no longer endure the traffic were forced to abandon their vehicles and walk long distances to reach their destinations.

Commercial drivers also diverted to alternative routes in an attempt to avoid the congestion, but those roads reportedly experienced significant traffic as well.

Security personnel, including police officers, military operatives and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were deployed to strategic junctions to manage traffic and maintain order.

Despite the disruption, large crowds of APC supporters gathered along Airport Road and around the Oba’s Palace to welcome the Vice President.

Hundreds of motorcycle riders, dressed in matching polo shirts and T-shirts bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu and Shettima, lined the Airport Road as part of the reception activities.

Various women’s groups, young supporters wearing branded shirts and cultural organisations were also seen singing and dancing at the airport and palace ahead of the Vice President’s appearance.

According to information available to Bush Radio Academy, the campaign rally at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium had yet to commence as of the time of filing this report, while supporters continued arriving from different parts of Edo State.