Motorists travelling on the Lokoja–Abuja highway have been stranded in a massive traffic gridlock, just days before Christmas, causing widespread frustration and delays.

The congestion, which has persisted for about three days, has left hundreds of vehicles trapped on the road, particularly around the Koton Karfe axis. Several motorists told the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that they had been stuck since early Saturday with no clear indication of when movement would resume.

One driver, travelling with his family to Enugu, said he had been on the spot since 7 a.m., lamenting that by 8 p.m. there was still no progress.

Reports from the area indicate that the gridlock was triggered by two articulated trucks that fell on the highway, blocking vehicular movement. The resulting pile-up of vehicles and heavy-duty trucks is estimated to stretch between three and five miles.

In a bid to escape the standstill, some commuters were forced to navigate dusty and unsafe off-road routes to bypass the obstruction.

Security agencies, including officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), have since been deployed to manage traffic and restore movement along the affected corridor.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government said it had begun proactive measures to prevent traffic congestion along the highway ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. A team led by the state security adviser, Jerry Omodara, had earlier inspected critical sections of the road and identified areas requiring urgent intervention.

Omodara explained that the exercise, approved by the State Executive Council, was aimed at preventing the recurring festive-season gridlock and ensuring smooth and safe travel for road users during the peak holiday period.