In a recent outcry from Onitsha, Anambra State, commercial vehicle owners have made a resounding call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to declare a state of emergency on security throughout Nigeria. This plea comes in light of escalating violent crimes that jeopardize the safety of road users and transporters, casting a shadow of fear over the country’s highways.
Chief Dominic Okafor, a prominent figure in the Onitsha transport sector and a seasoned security analyst, voiced his concerns yesterday. Okafor’s statement was spurred by a harrowing incident where gunmen targeted a commercial bus, resulting in the tragic death of the driver and the abduction of passengers, sparing only a young boy. This attack, occurring along the Benin-Lagos highway, is a stark reminder of the peril that has become all too common on Nigerian roads.
Okafor lamented the inefficacy of the police, army, and other security agencies, which, despite their presence on the highways, often focus on extorting tolls from motorists rather than preventing or responding to criminal activities. He cited several instances where commercial vehicles were ambushed, leading to deaths or kidnappings, without any intervention from security forces nearby.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Okafor proposed drastic measures, including withholding the security votes allocated to governors of states plagued by such violence until tangible actions are taken to address the crisis. He also called for the better equipping of security personnel with operational patrol vehicles, armored cars, walkie-talkies, drones, and other essential logistics. Additionally, Okafor emphasized the importance of timely payment of duty allowances to motivate security personnel.
States like Edo, Delta, Kogi, and Abuja have been identified as hotspots for highway crimes, where passengers endure harrowing experiences. Okafor’s plea to the governors of these states and the heads of security agencies is clear: enhance security measures or resign to allow for more capable leadership to take charge and restore safety to Nigeria’s roads.
