Nigeria: Gridlock As Truck Drivers Block Kano-Zaria Highway

Truck drivers yesterday blocked the Kano-Zaria highway around Kwanar Dawaki causing traffic gridlock.

Travellers and motorists spent hours in the gridlock that extended close to Tamburawa Bridge.

An eye witness who preferred not be named said an encounter involving a truck driver and customs operatives led to the incident.

He said the customs officers were chasing the driver of a truck suspected to be loaded with contraband goods when one of them shot the truck tyre forcing the driver to stop.

He said, "It was customs officers that caused this. The truck driver said he's not carrying any contraband, he is only carrying charcoal, but they shot his tyre. A Dangote truck was behind him and in an attempt to dodge the truck, his vehicle skidded off the road."

He said other truck drivers in solidarity with him blocked the road.

Another eyewitness, however, said the problem has been resolved.

He appealed to drivers, other road users and law enforcement agents to always exercise restraint and resist the temptation of taking laws into their hands.

Daily Trust on Sunday reports that, this is not the first time truck drivers will block roads because of perceived harassment from law enforcement agents.

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