Chaos on the Highway: Etsako Masquerade Feast Turns Nightmare for Motorists
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_Thousands of Motorists Stranded on Abuja-Benin Expressway
A traditional feast in Ido, Okpilla, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, which was meant to celebrate age-old customs, has descended into chaos, leaving thousands of motorists stranded on the Abuja-Benin expressway.
The 3-day feast, which began on Saturday, August 17, 2024, has seen swarms of youths wielding canes and whips, causing a massive traffic jam that stretches for kilometres along the Expressway.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, passengers are left to suffer in the scorching heat, with all schedules and travel plans thrown into jeopardy. The scene is a stark example of the ungoverned spaces that plague Nigeria, with authorities seemingly powerless to intervene.
The Etsako East council of traditional rulers, and political leaders like the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Godwin Obaseki as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Senators Adams Oshiomhole and his party’s governorship candidate, Monday Okpewolo, who have respectively promised paradise and a moden Edo in their campaign crusades, should call their Etsako community youths to order, some of the commuters said.
According to the road users, this has become necessary as the three-day event has spiraled out of control, with youths blocking the expressway and causing mayhem.
The situation raises questions about the priorities of those in power, who seem more focused on re-election than good governance.
In contrast, festivals like Brazil’s samba carnival and London’s Notting Hill carnival showcase the cultural and economic benefits of well-organized events. It’s time for Etsako East’s leaders to take action and restore order to the Expressway.
One positive note, amidst the chaos is the confirmation by Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor, founder of One Love Foundation, who praised the youths for not molesting a single stranger or passenger during the gridlock.
However, this goodside is overshadowed by the larger issue of governance and accountability in the area.
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