Motorists and travellers have been stranded along the Lokoja-Abuja road following a blockade at the military checkpoint at the Murtala Muhammed bridge, Jamata. Kogi State.

According to reports, the blockade by trailer drivers followed the death of a conductor as he allegedly escaped beating in the hands of military personnel stationed at the checkpoint before the bridge in Jamata community.

It was gathered that the ‘motorboy’ reportedly protested the harassment of his ‘Oga’ by the Nigeria Navy personnel after the driver disrupted their barricade.

To avoid been beaten the motor boy jumped into a deep ditch which led to his death.

As at the time of filing this report the gridlock is affecting movement to and from Lokoja with transporters complaining against the excesses of security personnel stationed on the highways.

According to a taxi driver, Danladi Musa, military personnel always demand money from motorists on every goods they carry.

Meanwhile the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kogi State Command, Mr Stephen Dawulung said the State Government had sent a negotiation team to the Union to plead with them to open the road.

Mr Dawulung said his men are on ground to ensure a free flow whenever the road is opened.