Transport hike, passengers stranded in Abuja amid #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest
Economic and social activities were on Monday partially disrupted in parts of Abuja as the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led to a sharp increase in transport fares, leaving many commuters stranded at major parks and bus stops.
Major taxi routes, particularly the Dutse Market/Zenith Bank taxi stop, saw hundreds of passengers stranded as passengers struggled for space to enter the few taxis that showed up.
Again, the available taxis had shot up their fares as they made their way amidst very tight traffic following the army blockade at the Dutse Alhaji market.
The protest, organised by Omoyele Sowore, in support of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reportedly began early in the morning, affecting movement along key routes including Nyanya–Karu, Mararaba–Apo, Garki, and Berger–Area 1.
As security operatives were deployed to strategic locations to forestall a breakdown of law and order, many commercial drivers took advantage of the situation, hiking transport fares by over 100 percent.
A trip from Nyanya to Berger Junction, which usually costs ₦500, rose to ₦1,200, while commuters from Mararaba to the Central Business District paid as much as ₦1,500.
Many passengers, mostly civil servants and traders, were seen trekking long distances after waiting in vain for affordable transport.
“I have been here since 7 a.m., but buses are not available, and those that come are charging outrageous amounts,” lamented Chinyere Okonkwo, a trader at Wuse Market. “They said protesters blocked some roads, and drivers are scared of being caught up.”
Another commuter, Musa Ibrahim, said he had to walk from Nyanya to Kugbo before finding a cab. “I was told there’s tension around the city. The drivers are afraid, and those working are exploiting passengers,” he said.
Although the protest was largely peaceful, heavy security presence was observed around the Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and Eagle Square, where protesters reportedly converged earlier in the day, chanting solidarity songs and demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), have yet to issue an official statement, but an officer at the Central Area Division confirmed that patrols were intensified to prevent any escalation.
The demonstration also caused temporary gridlock on major roads, particularly at AYA Roundabout, Wuse Zone 3, and Jabi, forcing many offices to open late as workers struggled to reach their workplaces.
Read also: Police disperse #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protesters with tear gas in Abuja
Some ride-hailing services, including Bolt and Uber, reportedly suspended operations in parts of the city citing safety concerns.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign has continued to gather traction among his supporters, who argue that his prolonged detention despite court orders for his release constitutes a violation of human rights.
