Some residents of Edo State on Monday blocked sections of the popular Upper Sakponba Road in Benin to protest hike in petrol pump price in the state.

The protesters, comprising mostly commercial drivers, directed their colleagues to increase transport fares to reflect higher petrol costs.

The drivers also warned that any passenger that boarded at old rates must pay additional fare or risk being dropped midway.

Some of the protesting drivers mounted two major roadblocks at Aifuwa Street and Pioneer Junction.

Witnesses said the development caused significant disruption along the route.

It was learnt that many commuters were also left stranded as some trekked long distances due to the gridlock occasioned by the protest.

It was reported that passengers in Benin City were already paying higher transport fares due to the recent hike in the price of petrol.

It was learnt that a trip from Idogbo, Upper Sakponba to Ring Road, which previously cost between N500 and N700, now ranges from N800 to N1,000.

In similar vein, fares from Ikpoba Hill to Ring Road, which used to cost between N500 and N700, have increased to between N800 and N1,000. (The Sun)