Gridlock, Frustration on Warri–Benin Highway as Motorists Endure Hours in Traffic

Thousands of commuters and motorists were left stranded for hours on Friday after worsening sections of the Warri–Benin Expressway triggered massive traffic congestion, renewing calls for urgent repairs on one of the South-South’s busiest highways.

The worst-hit stretch was the failed Mosogar–Oghara section, where long queues of vehicles stretched for kilometres as cars, buses and heavy-duty trucks struggled to navigate the damaged roadway.

A similar situation played out along the Sapele–Mosogar Road, where traffic crawled for hours, leaving passengers frustrated and disrupting the movement of people and goods between Delta and Edo states.

Commercial drivers and private motorists described the experience as exhausting, with many spending several hours trapped in the gridlock.

Some passengers said journeys that would normally take minutes stretched into several hours, while transport operators lamented the financial losses caused by the delays.

Road users appealed to government authorities to fast-track repair works, stressing that the Warri–Benin Expressway remains a critical economic corridor linking Delta, Edo and other parts of the country.

Many expressed concern over the hardship faced by commuters and businesses that depend on the route, urging swift intervention to prevent further disruption.

The development comes as the Delta State Government announced emergency intervention on the failed section of the highway.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the immediate repair of the damaged Mosogar–Oghara stretch of the Warri–Benin Expressway in a bid to ease the hardship being experienced by motorists.

Confirming the approval, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said contractors have already mobilised to the site to begin remedial work.

According to him, although the highway falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, the deteriorating condition of the affected section made immediate state intervention necessary.

He said the emergency repairs are aimed at restoring the free flow of traffic, improving road safety and reducing the difficulties faced daily by commuters and transporters.

As work begins on the damaged section, many travellers say they are hopeful the intervention will bring lasting relief to a route that has become a major source of frustration for road users in recent days.