Yenagoa- (NAN) Vehicular movement on the ever busy East-West road was halted for about three hours on Tuesday as ex-militants protesting their non-inclusion in the amnesty programme blocked the road.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ex-militants blocked the Mbiama axis of the road as early as 5. 30 a.m. halting vehicular movement from the Port Harcourt axis to the Delta State axis of the road.

Vehicles could also not move into and out of Yenagoa because of the blockade while the famous Mbiama Tuesday market was disrupted because of gun shots around the scene.

The ex-militants were said to be protesting their non-inclusion in the amnesty programme, being the fourth batch who  surrendered arms and ammunition.

The situation was tense as gun shots were being heard from Igbogene, a border town between Rivers and Bayelsa States.

NAN reports that commuters trapped in the confusion were sending text messages to loved ones not to follow that path or to stay wherever they might be to avoid being caught up in the demonstration.

When contacted, the Spokesman of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF), Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, confirmed the incident to NAN on telephone.

He said: “We are aware that they are holding a peaceful demonstration to press home their demands.

“I am certain that the situation has been resolved because our men have been sent there to handle it from escalating to crisis.”

NAN reports that vehicles commuting from Port Harcourt to Lagos and other parts of the country,