By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
#FreeNnamdiNow: Heavy Gridlock on AYA–Nyanya Axis as Checkpoints Slow Abuja Traffic
Abuja woke up to unusually heavy traffic on Monday, October 20, 2025, as residents braced for planned #FreeNnamdiNow demonstrations in the city and across Nigeria. A The Bureau News correspondent on ground reported a standstill along the AYA–Nyanya corridor, with long queues of vehicles and anxious commuters watching the clock.
Morning commute turns into a crawl — Nigeria News Today
Multiple lanes on the expressway narrowed into bottlenecks around new security checkpoints mounted by the military. Drivers cut their engines, stepped out to stretch, or placed calls to bosses explaining the delay. Several motorists, visibly rattled, said they were already late for work and had no idea how long the gridlock would last.
Turn-backs, stalled cars, frayed nerves
Some motorists made U-turns, opting to work from home rather than gamble on the jam. Others ran out of fuel entirely. Our reporter saw groups pushing stalled cars to the shoulder, trying to clear a path for emergency vehicles and buses inching forward.
Early gathering at Millennium Park
At Millennium Park, small clusters of protesters arrived early, holding placards and waiting for conveners. Police patrols took up strategic positions around the park, with officers directing foot traffic and keeping walkways open. The Nigerian Police presence was noticeable but calm, with officers engaging passers-by and reminding them to stay within the law.
Residents speak: “We can’t afford violence”
In quick on-the-spot interviews, several residents voiced mixed feelings: a desire to be heard, and a fear of escalation. One office worker, stuck near AYA, told The Bureau News: “We hope things don’t get out of hand. Our goal is to survive this hardship and pray for a turnaround in the economy.” Another commuter added: “People are scared because of what we remember from #EndSARS. Nobody wants bloodshed.”
Security posture and traffic advice
Security agencies focused on screening vehicles and keeping protest routes clear of obstructions. Commuters heading toward the city centre were advised by traffic marshals to take alternative roads where possible, top up fuel, carry water, and plan for extended delays.
What’s next
- Traffic: Expect periodic stoppages on key arteries as checkpoints remain active through the day.
- Protests: Organisers are anticipated at central locations; crowds may swell at lunch hour.
- Safety: Police and military are visible; residents urged to keep distance from flashpoints and follow official guidance.
City Desk updates on The Bureau News | Security watch
Image: Early-morning queue on the AYA–Nyanya highway as checkpoints slow traffic — The Bureau News
Mini Foodstuff Price List for Nigeria News Today
| Item | Price (₦) | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg Bag) | ₦64,500 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Beans (1 paint) | ₦3,600 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
| Garri (1 paint) | ₦1,900 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Yam (1 tuber) | ₦1,200 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
| Tomatoes (basket) | ₦18,000 | Mile 12, Lagos |
| Palm Oil (1 bottle) | ₦1,700 | Wuse Market, Abuja |
Compiled by The Bureau News Business Desk for “foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today” and “foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today.”
