Lagos Local Government Election: Traffic Chaos as Police Barricade Berger Axis

The Berger axis of Lagos was brought to a standstill on Saturday morning as security operatives, including police and Federal Road Safety Corps officers, barricaded access routes into the state ahead of the local government elections.

Military personnel were also deployed to patrol the area, enforcing movement restrictions from 6 am to 3 pm to ensure peaceful conduct of the election.

Scores of commuters were stranded, and several vehicles were turned back at the busy point, causing long queues of stationary vehicles.

Passengers were forced to alight and trek considerable distances to their destinations, expressing frustration over the lack of prior notice about the movement restrictions.

One passenger, traveling from Port Harcourt, approached a senior police officer, stating, “We are unaware that there was an election in the state. We are just coming from Port Harcourt. We are here for something. We are going to Ikeja.” Despite the explanation, they were denied access.

The Lagos State Police Command had announced the restrictions to prevent disruptions during the election, which aims to produce new officials for the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas..

The election is expected to bring new leadership to these areas, and security measures are in place to ensure a smooth process.

Residents are advised to plan alternative routes and cooperate with security agencies to avoid further disruptions.