Hundreds of articulated vehicles, including trailers and fuel tankers, have been stranded for about 48 hours along the Ifaki-Oye-Ilupeju axis of Ekiti State following the collapse of a section of the federal road at Ikupeju-Ekiti.
The road crisis has created a massive gridlock, disrupting the movement of goods into and out of the state while leaving motorists, residents and truck drivers stranded.
The presence of several fuel tankers among the trapped vehicles has also raised safety concerns, with residents fearing that an accident or fire outbreak could have devastating consequences.
Former Senator representing Ekiti North, Ayo Arise, who visited the area, described the situation as alarming and urged the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Works, to intervene urgently.
Arise said the scale of the congestion was worse than he expected, comparing it to the notorious gridlock previously experienced around Apapa in Lagos.
He said he personally experienced the difficulty while returning from Akure, noting that a journey that should have taken only a few minutes was prolonged because vehicles could neither enter nor leave the affected communities.
“This is almost worse than what Apapa used to be,” Arise said, stressing that the stranded vehicles were carrying goods and other essential supplies.
He appealed for urgent repairs, saying temporary intervention on the affected section could help restore the movement of vehicles and goods.
Meanwhile, truck drivers have continued to bear the brunt of the crisis.
One of the drivers, Akanda James Taiwo, said he had been stranded for about 48 hours, describing the situation as a major hardship for drivers whose livelihoods depend on constant movement.
Another driver, Muhammed Hammed, expressed frustration over the poor condition of the road, accusing authorities of often remembering truck drivers and other transport workers mainly during elections.
The worsening condition of the road has raised concerns over the wider economic impact, particularly as prolonged disruption could delay the delivery of goods, increase transportation costs and further strain businesses and consumers.
