Elections: Lagosians stranded, trek long distance as soldiers close major highways as early as 6am

TRACKING>>Several Lagosians who defied the no movement order of today’s election were left stranded on the roads as they had to trek long distance on Saturday morning.

Many major highways in the Mainland area of the state were already cordoned off by a combination of the military and police as early as 6am.

On the Ikorodu road axis, New Telegraph observed that the stern looking security personnel stopped and searched every vehicle moving on the road.

While they gave movement clearance to accredited observers and monitors, they turned back unaccredited persons and vehicles.

On the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, soldiers were also seen turning back several unaccredited vehicles and threatening to deal with those adamant on moving.

Speaking with our correspondent, one of the stranded Lagosians at Ojota area, who simply identified herself as Suliyat, said she wanted to go to her polling unit at Yaba because she registered there.

“I didn’t know it will be like this. I left Ikorodu as early as 5am but I am still at Ojota.

“The vehicle I boarded was stopped by the army at Owode Onirin and I have trekked from there to Ojota. I am tired, if I knew it would ever be like this,” she said.

At the popular Ketu garage, scores of ‘Area Boys’ were seen drinking alcohol, dancing and smoking different substance.