The Federal Capital Territory came to a near standstill on Monday morning as massive traffic gridlock around the Nyanya-Kugbo axis left thousands of commuters stranded, with many abandoning their journeys entirely. The chaos is believed to be linked to the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), scheduled for October 20, 2025.
Motorists attempting to access the city centre from satellite towns such as Karu, Nyanya, and Mararaba found themselves trapped in a growing sea of vehicles, with no clear route forward or option to turn back. Some drivers, after hours of immobility, abandoned their vehicles, causing further obstruction and confusion along the already congested expressway.
“I finally got a car after waiting for almost an hour,” said Mrs. Abel, a visibly frustrated commuter drenched in sweat. “Only for the driver to stop midway and tell us to get out. He said, ‘I no dey go again. Make una drop.’ How am I supposed to get home now?”
The disruption was particularly distressing for school children, many of whom were seen walking long distances in their uniforms, attempting to reach their schools on foot. The uncertainty extended to workers and even youth corps members reporting to their places of primary assignment.
“I’m supposed to be at the Secretariat this morning to resume,” lamented a prospective corps member, visibly anxious. “Now they’re saying the road is blocked, and tear gas is being used. I just hope this doesn’t affect my posting.”
Despite the severity of the situation, many affected commuters said they were unaware of the cause of the gridlock.
“I no know wetin cause am o,” said Mr. Mike, a commercial bus passenger. “Dem just dey talk say na protest.”
The protest, organized under the banner “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow,” is a coordinated civil action demanding the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has remained in detention despite multiple court orders calling for his release. Activist Omoyele Sowore had, on October 13, announced the October 20 protest date via social media and press briefings, vowing to lead a peaceful march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In response to the planned protest, the United States Embassy issued a security advisory to its citizens in Nigeria, warning of possible traffic disruptions, roadblocks, and confrontations with security forces. Early reports this morning suggest that security operatives have deployed tear gas in some areas to disperse pockets of protesters and prevent gatherings from gaining momentum.
As of the time of this report, traffic remains at a standstill along major arteries leading into Abuja from the east, with no official statement yet released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) or the Nigerian Police Force regarding alternative routes or crowd control measures.
