By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
A heavy security presence thrown up for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections caused a major traffic gridlock around Karu Bridge on Saturday, stranding commuters and accredited election officials for hours.
Soldiers deployed as part of the security arrangements for the polls restricted movement on the busy artery around midday, creating a standstill that stretched in both directions. The blockage trapped travellers heading from Karu into the Abuja city centre, as well as those moving in the opposite direction.
An observer at the scene reported that at exactly 12 noon, military personnel moved in to block the road, triggering the immediate buildup of traffic.
The situation escalated quickly as the route remained impassable, forcing motorists desperate to reach the city centre to abandon their attempts and turn back towards Karu. Others, travelling from the city towards the satellite town, were also halted and redirected.
Among those caught in the snarl were election officials bearing sensitive materials and accreditation tags, who were unable to proceed to their assigned polling units.
The congestion was exacerbated by the presence of at least four military Hilux vehicles stationed on the roadway, surrounded by heavily armed personnel. Attempts by a correspondent to negotiate passage through the checkpoint proved futile, as the soldiers declined to respond to requests or provide any timeline for the reopening of the road.
As the hours wore on, the traffic jam continued to worsen, leaving a growing number of vehicles stranded and commuters visibly frustrated while waiting for the restriction to be lifted.
Security agencies had announced a widespread deployment of personnel to strategic locations across the FCT to ensure order during the council elections. However, the operation at Karu Bridge resulted in significant, and arguably counterproductive, disruption to the very citizens attempting to participate in the democratic process.
