Protesters Demand Urgent Repairs Of Benin-Agbor Bypass
Residents and motorists using the Benin-Agbor Bypass in Edo State have protested the deplorable condition of the road, calling on the government to urgently commence rehabilitation works.
The protesters, who gathered along the bypass on Thursday, expressed frustration over the muddy and congested state of the road, which they said had made movement difficult for motorists and residents.
In videos from the protest, some demonstrators appealed to the government, particularly the Federal Government, to intervene and fix the road. One of the protesters said, “APC, we no dey collect money. Make una do our road for us. Tinubu, we no need money, make una do our road for us.”
The protesters also chanted, “All we are saying, give us good road,” as vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, struggled to navigate the affected sections.
A resident said the condition of the bypass had severely disrupted movement, noting that commuters were spending several hours in traffic.
“We dey live Agbor Road Bypass. No going, no coming. Everywhere close. We don spend like four hours here,” the resident said.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over the condition of major roads in Edo State, with residents and road users repeatedly calling for government intervention.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government recently announced plans to rehabilitate Okhun Road, off Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, following the failure of portions of the road.
The state government said Governor Monday Okpebholo had approved funds for the rehabilitation, while the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, confirmed that the procurement process for the comprehensive rehabilitation had commenced.
According to Idahosa, provision had already been made for the project in the 2026 budget, while palliative works were being carried out to ease the hardship faced by motorists pending the commencement of full reconstruction after the rainy season.
He said the government had earlier met with stakeholders from the Ovia Federal Constituency and informed them that temporary repairs would be undertaken pending the subsiding of the rains.
The Project Engineer of MCC, Atoyebi Tosinwa, attributed some of the road’s recurring challenges to water percolation and said contractors were deploying geotextile technology to address the underlying problems and improve the durability of the rehabilitation.
However, the latest protest underscores the continued frustration among residents and motorists over the condition of the Benin-Agbor Bypass and their demand for urgent and lasting intervention.
