KEY POINTS

• Armed robbers shot dead a commercial driver and robbed passengers on the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway.
• Drivers allege criminals operate at night, sometimes posing as security personnel, while police checkpoints have drawn extortion complaints.
• Transport unions staged a protest and warned that continued attacks could disrupt trade across several regions

Fresh fears have gripped motorists and commuters using the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway following the resurgence of armed robbery attacks along the busy highway, culminating in the killing of a commercial driver near Amechi Idodo in Enugu State.

The latest incident has sparked concerns among transport operators and residents, who say criminal activities are once again threatening one of the South-East’s most important transportation corridors.

According to transport union officials and eyewitness accounts, the victim, who was driving a Lagos-bound Toyota Sienna, was attacked after completing a long-distance journey from Lagos and heading towards Abakaliki.

The assailants reportedly intercepted the vehicle between Eke-Obinagu and Amechi Idodo, forcing it to stop before dispossessing passengers of their belongings. During the attack, the driver was allegedly shot and killed by the armed robbers.

Passengers were left traumatised as the attackers escaped with valuables, further heightening fears about security on the route.

Attack Near Governor Mbah’s Hometown

The incident occurred near the Amechi Idodo junction, a strategic location that serves as the access road to the country home of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.

Residents and road users say the killing marks a disturbing return of violent criminal activities on a highway that had enjoyed relative peace in recent years.

Many attribute the previous calm to enhanced security efforts that followed the removal of several checkpoints after the nationwide #EndSARS protests.

In response to the renewed attacks, police authorities have reportedly established checkpoints operating from night until dawn along parts of the expressway.

However, commercial drivers claim that some of these checkpoints have become centres of extortion, particularly during the early morning hours between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Drivers further allege that criminal gangs have adopted new tactics by dressing in police uniforms and setting up at locations similar to official checkpoints.