While users were still celebrating normalcy on the road, news broke that some travellers had been kidnapped
Some residents of Oyo State have expressed mixed reactions over cases of incessant attacks and abduction on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
While some of those who spoke to newsmen enjoined the police and other regular security agencies to beef up security along the road, others are of the opinion that the newly established Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) also known as Amotekun, the vigilante and other local security outfits should be involved in tackling the menace.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which starts at Berger in Lagos and ends at Iwo Road in Ibadan, is about one hundred and twenty kilometres (120 klm).
The road, which lies between Oyo, Ogun State and Lagos States, is one of the busiest roads in the country.
It is the gateway for travellers from most parts of the country to access Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria.
However, several attacks have been recorded along the expressway only this year.
The gunmen, who usually dress in military uniform, use the opportunity to abduct travellers.
In January this year, no fewer than two cases of kidnapping were recorded along the road. The abductors during one of the operations in January at Abule Onigari killed a commercial driver identified as Oluwatosin Aruwajoye.
Also, on Saturday, January 8, they abducted five passengers, while another person, Ibrahim Tiamiyu, was shot in the thigh.
An actress, Bimpe Akintunde and her daughter escaped from being kidnapped at the same location on Sunday, January 9, 2022.
The incessant attacks and abduction on the road in January this year attracted the attention of security agencies to move to the area.
This brought some sense of relief for travellers plying the road between January and October this year.
Kidnappers change location, abduct UI professor, Oyo monarch’s daughter
While users were still celebrating normalcy on the road, news broke that some travellers had been kidnapped. This occurred last October.