Resurgence of Highway Robbery on Enugu-Abakaliki Route

Highway robbery has re-emerged on the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway, particularly around the Ek Obinagu Idodo area in Enugu State, which connects Enugu and Ebonyi states. This route is one of the busiest in the southeastern region of Nigeria.

Recent reports indicate that motorists have fallen victim to armed robbers, primarily operating at night, leading to fears among travelers. A recent incident involved the killing of a commercial Sienna bus driver who was attacked while returning to Abakaliki from Lagos.

Despite the establishment of multiple police checkpoints along the highway from 6 PM to 7 AM, motorists have accused security operatives of focusing on extorting drivers rather than addressing the growing insecurity. Simpli Nwaneri, a commercial driver, linked the resurgence of highway robberies to economic hardship in the country.

The attacks typically occur between 7 PM and 6 AM, targeting vehicles carrying goods. Residents along the expressway have expressed fears that the insecurity is affecting commercial activities in the region.

Users of the highway are calling for intensified police patrols to restore confidence among travelers.