“New Protests in Rivers State as Youths Shut Down Key Highway”

Youths have blocked the Port Harcourt/Owerri highway, causing significant disruptions to traffic and commerce in a new wave of protests in the state.This highway is a vital connection between Rivers State and the Southeast region of Nigeria.

The protesters, mostly from Ohaji Egbema, voiced their frustrations over the ongoing economic struggles, poor governance, and the lack of essential services in their community.Carrying placards with messages of dissatisfaction, the youths chanted slogans against the government.

They also used a coffin and canopies to create a blockade on the road.“The protest is against economic hardship, and we have blocked the Port Harcourt-Owerri expressway with a coffin and canopies. We, the youths of Ohaji Egbema, are protesting against bad governance, poor road conditions, hunger, and the absence of clean water and electricity in our local government,” said one resident.

This recent demonstration follows a series of protests in Rivers State, including one in early October that escalated into violence, resulting in at least one death during protests against the local government elections held in the state.