Stakeholders in Edo State have renewed calls for the urgent reconstruction of key federal highways, warning that deteriorating road infrastructure is worsening security challenges and exposing motorists to kidnapping and armed robbery attacks.
They expressed concern that many damaged sections of major roads force vehicles to slow down or become trapped in traffic congestion, creating opportunities for criminals to target travellers moving into and across the state.
The concerns come amid growing reports of kidnapping and banditry across parts of the country, even as federal and state authorities continue rehabilitation and reconstruction projects on several major roads in Edo.
Monday Igbinovia, a commercial bus driver operating on the Benin–Auchi route, acknowledged improvements on parts of the highway but noted that several failed sections still require motorists to drastically reduce speed.
According to him, such vulnerable spots can easily become targets for criminal activities, particularly during night journeys or periods of light traffic.
“The road has improved compared to previous years, but some portions remain in poor condition. Whenever vehicles are forced to move slowly, passengers become uneasy because of security concerns,” he said.
Trailer driver Musa Abdullahi, who transports goods between northern and southern Nigeria, described the Benin–Auchi highway as a vital economic corridor whose condition directly affects both commerce and security.
He explained that the heavy volume of articulated trucks on the road accelerates deterioration, leading to bottlenecks that expose motorists to potential attacks.
“The longer vehicles remain stuck on bad sections of the road, the greater the security risks for everyone using the route,” he said.
Road users have repeatedly raised concerns over security threats along portions of the Benin–Auchi–Okene, Benin–Ore and Benin–Agbor corridors.
Motorist Odiion Sufianu recalled previous protests by residents in Auchi over insecurity and gully erosion around the Jattu area, noting that poor road conditions often increase travellers’ vulnerability.
“When roads become difficult to navigate, people are left exposed and insecurity tends to thrive,” he said.
Transport operators Victor Yusuf and Joe Adaba urged authorities to embark on a full-scale reconstruction of the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi highway rather than relying on temporary repairs.
They argued that a properly rebuilt highway would improve transportation and reduce the security threats associated with prolonged traffic delays.
Passengers also shared similar concerns. Frequent commuter Grace Okojie said damaged sections often extend travel times, leaving travellers anxious, especially when journeys continue into the evening.
According to transport stakeholders, deteriorating highways now represent both an economic and security challenge. Beyond increasing vehicle maintenance costs and transport fares, lengthy delays provide opportunities for criminal elements to exploit stranded or slow-moving vehicles.
Despite concerns on some routes, road users acknowledged significant progress on the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway, where ongoing reconstruction has improved mobility.
Observations showed that previously difficult sections around Limit Road, Agip, PZ and Adesuwa Junction have been repaired and reopened, easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times.
At Ologbo, the boundary community between Edo and Delta states, truck operators reported smoother traffic movement after years of severe gridlock.
Commercial driver Bashiru Danjuma said the improvements had boosted transport operations and reduced security fears associated with long queues.
“The reconstruction has improved business and reduced the risks that came with being trapped in traffic for hours,” he said.
Food vendor Osariemen Osariodion recalled occasions when journeys expected to last about an hour stretched to several hours because of road failures.
Farmer Ebu Oriosaye also lamented losses suffered from transporting perishable farm produce on damaged roads.
Community leaders, including Chief Erahor Omoruyi and Vincent Iyoha, said completing the road projects would further stimulate economic activities while enhancing safety for road users.
Daniel Omoregbe, Chairman of the Sapele Road Bypass Axis Group (SARBAG), said conditions had improved considerably since work commenced on the route.
Motorists travelling along the Benin–Ore highway also welcomed ongoing repairs but appealed for faster completion of outstanding sections.
Luxury bus driver Adewale Akinyemi noted that while construction activities have improved portions of the highway, some damaged stretches still impede traffic flow.
Passenger Peter Ekhator added that motorists often make sudden manoeuvres to avoid potholes, increasing accident risks and endangering other road users.
Osaro Igbinedion of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) described the affected highways as crucial economic arteries and stressed the need for consistent maintenance and rehabilitation.
Responding to the concerns, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) said work was ongoing on several federal roads in Edo State.
The agency’s Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in Edo, Emeter Olisa, disclosed that maintenance activities along the Oluku Bypass in Benin City include drainage desilting, shoulder reconstruction, asphalt laying and repairs around bridge sections.
He also revealed that a Sukuk-funded project is progressing on the Auchi–Benin corridor, while contractors engaged by the Federal Ministry of Works are undertaking concrete pavement construction on parts of the Benin–Sapele road.
Olisa reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading road infrastructure and improving safety for commuters, while stakeholders maintained that quality roads remain a critical component of public security and economic development.