Lagos-Ibadan gridlock: Motorists trapped for hours, spend night on highway

Motorists and commuters on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were stuck for over 12 hours on Tuesday due to a multiple-vehicle crash at the Kara Bridge, coupled with repair works. The traffic blockage extended into Lagos, leaving drivers exhausted and some spending the night on the road. The accident, which occurred early Tuesday, involved seven vehicles, including a 40-foot container truck, a Toyota Hilux, an interstate bus, and several others.

The crash initially affected traffic heading towards Ogun, the busiest highway in Nigeria, but quickly spread to Magboro and Lagos itself. Frustrated motorists began driving against traffic, creating additional congestion. Daily Trust reports that Lagos-bound travelers were already stuck as early as 7am, with the situation worsening throughout the day.

Commuters were unable to reach their destinations or attend appointments, with some stranded for hours and unable to make U-turns. A motorist expressed frustration, saying, "This is 6:00 and we are still stuck. It’s a full lock down. No movement." The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency dispatched its LRT Tiger Squad to the scene at 6:05am after receiving a distress call.

They arrived promptly, and the incident management protocol was activated, involving coordination with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Nigeria Police Force. The involved vehicles were eventually removed from the highway, and no injuries were reported.