Edo roads now operating theatres of kidnappers, motorists raise alarm

Residents and motorists plying the Benin-Auchi and other roads in Edo State have been having hard times travelling following the activities of kidnappers that have turned the roads to their operation theatres.

Incidences of kidnapping, it was gathered, are very rampant on the roads, especially, Benin-Auchi, as passengers and drivers are kidnapped on a daily basis.

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The development forced many to abandon travelling on the roads, while those who embark on journeys are in constant fear.

On July 4, nine passengers were kidnapped from a Hiace bus heading to Benin from Auchi at Igieduma village, but were rescued by the police and the vigilante group.

Also, On July 8, six persons travelling in a Sienna bus from Ekpoma to Benin were intercepted and kidnapped at Igue-Ozevbaru. But luck was on the victims’ side as security operatives rescued them after a gun duel, which saw the arrest of two of the kidnappers.

But many others have not been so lucky as they have paid millions of naira in ransom for their release from the kidnappers’ dens.

The Benin-Lagos bypass  and Ubiaja-Agbor road have also witnessed incidences of kidnapping.

Residents and road users who spoke to Niger Delta Trust said the development had become a nightmare for them.

Mrs Habiba Abu said she was supposed to go and celebrate Sallah in the village but that she was afraid of undertaking the journey because of the incessant kidnapping on the road.

Mrs Abu said, “Almost on a daily basis, we hear of kidnapping on the road, so I had to shelve my plan.”

Also speaking, Mr Gideon Odion, a driver who plies the Benin-Auchi-Abuja road, said they were driving on the road with fear of being kidnapped.

Mr Odion said, “Many drivers and passengers have been kidnapped on the road. So whoever plies the Benin-Auchi road must do so with prayers.”

He said kidnapping incidences were rampant on the Benin-Auchi road and the Benin-Lagos bypass by Ahor, adding that any passenger that passed the road safely should give thanks to God.

On his part, Mr Oshorenoya noted that kidnapping had become a source of worry to passengers and motorists, including residents of towns and villages along the roads notorious for kidnapping.

He said, “My mind is not always at peace when I am on the road. Many people have refused to visit their villages because of the incessant kidnapping on the road.”

The spokesman of the police in Edo, Kontongs Bello, said the command had been rescuing kidnapped victims on the roads and arresting kidnappers and charging them to court.