Traffic gridlock occasioned by massive flooding at Koton Karfe on the Abuja-Lokoja Highway is thinning out, the acting corps marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Biu, has said.

On Sunday, FRSC spokesman, Bisi Kazeem, quoted Mr Biu as saying that the water level had continued to recede at the flooded portions of the road in Koton Karfe, Kogi.

In a statement in Abuja, he said another broken down truck was towed off the road on Sunday while traffic had been moving under the guidance and control of FRSC operatives.

The military, FRSC and Civil Defence towed two articulated trucks that combined with the flood to render the road impassable away from the road on Saturday.

The trucks, one with an NNPC inscription on it, and another articulated vehicle, broke down almost adjacent each other at Koton-Karfe on Friday, resulting in a total blockage of the flooded highway.

Mr Kazeem stated that as of Sunday, trucks were being passed in turns, with priority given to 150 trucks heading to Abuja.

“Palliative measures are being taken in conjunction with the National Union of Road Transport Workers to cover deep potholes with stones to enhance freer movement.

“The queue of trucks outbound Abuja which stretched up to Gegu on the highway has reduced to Gapa, close to Koton Karfe,’’ he stated.

Mr Kazeem quoted Mr Biu as still pleading with road users, particularly truck drivers, to use alternative routes to reduce the Koton Karfe-Lokoja gridlock. 

(NAN)