Sowore’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest Grounds Abuja, Causes Traffic Chaos
•By Admin
ABUJA – TENSION enveloped the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday morning as a protest demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, disrupted social and economic activities across the city.
The demonstration, which began at dawn, caused heavy gridlocks on major entry routes into the capital city including the Abuja–Kubwa Expressway and the Abuja–Keffi Highway as security operatives mounted checkpoints to screen motorists and prevent suspected protesters from entering the city centre.
As early as 7 a.m., commuters were left stranded at bus stops and junctions, while many motorists were forced to turn back home after encountering the long stretch of traffic and heavily armed personnel. Those who had not yet left their homes opted to stay indoors to avoid being caught in the confusion.
Business activities were also paralyzed in parts of the city centre, particularly around the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone, where roads were barricaded and offices temporarily shut down. Many civil servants resorted to trekking long distances to get to work.
A situation report from the outskirts of the city painted a mixed picture of calm and disruption.
At Ushafa Bridge, hundreds of commuters were stranded, struggling to find vehicles as transporters withdrew service amid the tension.
In Gwagwalada, however, normalcy largely prevailed, with motorcycles and vehicles operating freely. Yet, along the usually bustling Park Road, shops owned by members of the Igbo community remained closed, with business activities completely grounded.
Banks, fuel stations, and schools both public and private continued operating normally in the area.
At Sokale Roundabout, a joint military checkpoint caused traffic buildup as vehicles were restricted to a single lane, forcing many motorists to make detours or return home. The development led to a spike in transport fares as commercial drivers exploited the situation.
Similarly, at Nyanya, along the Abuja–Keffi axis, passengers were left stranded for hours without commercial vehicles in sight, as heavy security presence slowed down movement in and out of the city.
The protest, tagged “Free Nnamdi Kanu,” is part of a renewed agitation for the release of the IPOB leader, whose continued detention has drawn criticism from rights groups and civil society actors nationwide.
Security agencies were yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
•INDEPENDENTNG.