A significant protest erupted on the Benin-Agbor Bypass as residents and motorists voiced their frustration over the poor condition of the road. The protest, which took place on Thursday, saw a large crowd gathered along the muddy and congested route, where vehicles struggled to pass through. Video footage shared by TheBeninBlogger captured the scene, showcasing the urgency of the demonstrators’ demands.

One protester was heard appealing directly to the government, stating, “APC, we no dey collect money. Make una do our road for us. Tinubu, we no need money, make una do our road for us.” This sentiment was echoed by others in the crowd, who chanted, “All we are saying, give us good road.” The protest highlights the increasing desperation among residents who have been grappling with the road's deteriorating state for an extended period.

Residents described their daily struggles due to the road's condition, with one individual lamenting, “We dey live Agbor Road Bypass. No going, no coming. Everywhere close. We don spend like four hours here.” Such statements reflect the severe impact the road's poor state has on transportation and daily life in the area.

The protest comes against a backdrop of growing concerns regarding the state of major roads in Edo State. Motorists and residents have been vocal about their need for government intervention to address these issues. Recently, the Edo State Government announced plans to rehabilitate the Okhun Road, located off Upper Siluko Road in Benin City, where portions of the road had failed, causing significant difficulties for commuters.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has reportedly approved funds for the rehabilitation work, with Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa confirming the initiative during a site visit. Idahosa stated that the government has begun the procurement process for comprehensive road repairs, with provisions already included in the 2026 budget. He further mentioned that ongoing palliative work aims to alleviate the hardships faced by motorists while waiting for full reconstruction after the rainy season.

The Project Engineer from MCC, Atoyebi Tosinwa, noted that the road has been plagued by persistent water-percolation issues. To combat this, contractors are employing geotextile technology to enhance the durability of the rehabilitation efforts.

Despite these government initiatives, the recent protest underscores the ongoing frustration among road users regarding the Benin-Agbor Bypass. The demonstrators are calling for immediate action to address the urgent need for repairs, emphasizing that residents can no longer endure the hardships caused by the road's condition.