By Ayodimeji Falade
Kidnapping and banditry has been a menace for years now, with many commuters living in fear of being abducted or killed by unknown gunmen, herdsmen, or bandits.
Although, the federal government has promised travelers safety and crackdown on these threats, yet these operations go on more than ever.
They utilize railways, highways and major roads for operations. Ikejabird takes an insight on hotspot highways where these criminals operate.
1. Lagos-Ibadan expressway
This wide lane expressway links the most populated city (Lagos) to the largest city (Ibadan) in the south-western region.
It has become a place for kidnappings, robberies, and attacks over the years.
Recently, a man who left Abuja because of prevalent kidnapping issue fell into the hands of a group of kidnappers on this highway and was killed in cold blood.
As reported, many kidnappers dressed in military uniforms stay on this expressway to kidnap commuters.
In October, 2 students of MAPOLY, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Mr. Agbaje were kidnapped on this route. Ransoms over 80 million Naira were demanded from the victims.
The people have appealed to federal government and south-western governors to help find lasting solution to this problem.
2. Abuja-Kaduna Expressway
This popular expressway at the North Central connecting the country’s capital to Kaduna is not only a hub for kidnapping but hosts banditry and terrorist attacks.
Both the highway and the railway situated at this region are targeted by criminals. In March 2022, the train conveying travelers were stopped by terrorists killing over 8 passengers and abducting the rest.
All the victims have been released and federal government has announced the resumption of the train service. Attacks on highways continue across the region.
In May 2022, over 20 travelers were kidnapped, while in September, an APC chieftain Sagir Hamidu was killed on this route.
3. Kaduna-Zaria/Kano Expressway
Kaduna to Kano Expressway has also been besieged by highway criminals. Traders traveling from Kaduna to Kano city for business have been robbed over the years while hundreds have been held captive.
Effort to curb this criminality has been on for a long ago. In January 2018, police arrested 19 kidnappers on the highway.
In December, bandits kidnapped over 70 in-bound Kano traders among others and asked to pay millions in ransom.
4. Okene- Lokoja- Abuja Expressway
This is also another hotspot for these criminal elements.
January 2021, 18 Passengers were kidnapped on this road, and in June 2022, Kogi hunters ambushed kidnappers, killing many and arresting the rest operating on the highway.
5. Enugu-Portharcout highway
This is a major highway in the eastern part of the country. It hosts a series of armed groups ranging from bandits to kidnappers who have been terrorizing the region.
August 2022, some gunmen suspected to be herdsmen abducted scores of travelers while they unleashed rampage on military checkpoints on the same highway.
In a similar event in October 2022, over 18 travelers were kidnapped at this long ranged highway.
Many and more highways have become a trap for kidnapping and robberies over the years. Many travelers have lost lives while others are still at the net of their abductors.
