As millions of Nigerians rushed home for the much-anticipated Eid-el-Kabir celebration, what was meant to be a joyful journey suddenly turned into a frustrating nightmare after a shocking traffic gridlock crippled movement along the ever-busy Abuja–Kaduna Highway.
Thousands of travellers heading toward northern Nigeria were reportedly left stranded for several painful hours — and in some cases, days — as a severe traffic jam brought movement almost to a complete standstill. The situation, which reportedly began earlier in the week, has sparked anger, complaints, and heated reactions from frustrated road users.
Many affected commuters described the experience as exhausting, heartbreaking, and financially draining, especially for those hoping to reunite with loved ones before the festive celebration.
Several travellers blamed the terrible situation on the overwhelming rush for Sallah, ongoing road construction, and bad weather conditions, which allegedly worsened traffic flow along the route.
One frustrated traveller, Muhammad Musa, lamented the hardship, explaining that he could not afford expensive flight tickets and opted for road transport, only to end up trapped in what he described as an endless journey.
According to him, a trip that should normally take only a few hours stretched far beyond expectations, leaving passengers exhausted and stranded in uncertainty.
Another commuter, Kabiru Abdullahi, reportedly expressed disappointment over the painfully slow movement of vehicles, revealing that travellers had spent unusually long hours on the road without making meaningful progress.
The growing frustration quickly spilled onto social media, where angry Nigerians blasted the poor condition of the highway and questioned why such a major road had continued to suffer neglect despite its importance to interstate travel.
One social media user reportedly claimed that travellers leaving Kaduna early in the morning were arriving in Abuja very late at night due to the unbearable congestion, sparking even more outrage online.
In response to the worsening crisis, the Federal Road Safety Corps reportedly advised motorists to consider alternative routes, particularly the Kachia–Bwari road, in a bid to reduce pressure on the heavily congested Abuja–Kaduna Highway.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reportedly stepped in, ordering the immediate reopening of sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road currently under construction to ease the suffering of stranded travellers.
The directive was reportedly issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who instructed contractors handling the project to ensure smoother movement for Nigerians travelling during the Eid festivities.
Authorities also confirmed that an earlier accident along the corridor, which allegedly contributed to the blockage, had been cleared in an effort to restore traffic flow.
As Eid approaches, many stranded Nigerians are now hoping for urgent relief, praying they can still make it to their destinations in time to celebrate with family members after what many are already calling one of the worst travel nightmares of the festive season.
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