Movement at the Berger axis of Lagos State came to a standstill on Saturday morning as security operatives enforced a restriction of movement ahead of the local government elections taking place across the state.
As early as 7:32 am, hundreds of vehicles and commuters were halted at the ever-busy Berger entry point as a joint team of policemen, Federal Road Safety Corps officers, and military personnel mounted barricades and turned back vehicles attempting to enter the city.
It is observed by Kiin360 that many passengers were forced to alight and trek long distances toward their destinations, with some visibly frustrated and unaware of the restriction order.
One stranded passenger, who said he had just arrived from Port Harcourt, expressed surprise over the development. “We are unaware that there was an election in the state. We are just coming from Port Harcourt. We are here for something. We are going to Ikeja,” he explained to a senior police officer. His plea, like many others, was turned down, and access was denied.
The Lagos State Police Command had earlier announced a restriction of vehicular movement across the state from 6 am to 3 pm to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections into the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The election is a critical part of Nigeria’s democratic process, as it allows citizens to choose grassroots leaders closest to the people and most responsible for primary development services within communities.
However, the level of public awareness regarding the movement restrictions remains a concern, as many residents, especially travellers and interstate commuters, appeared caught off guard by the security measures.
The barricade at Berger caused traffic buildup that extended for several kilometres, with drivers and passengers either turning around or navigating alternate routes to continue their journey. Security officers maintained a firm stance, insisting the measures were necessary to ensure safety, prevent disturbances, and support a credible election process.
As voting continues across polling units in Lagos, the presence of security personnel remains visible in key flashpoints to maintain law and order. The state government and the electoral commission had earlier urged Lagosians to participate peacefully in the exercise and return home safely afterward.
The local government election remains a vital tool for ensuring community representation and holding elected leaders accountable. Citizens are encouraged to remain peaceful and cooperative as the process unfolds.
