TERROR ON THE HIGHWAY: Gunmen Ambush Commuters Near Police Checkpoint Along Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

TERROR ON THE HIGHWAY: Gunmen Ambush Commuters Near Police Checkpoint Along Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

​Panic has gripped travelers in the South East following a daring daylight ambush by unidentified gunmen along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

​The incident, which reportedly occurred near the “New Spare Parts” area by Owa Express—just a few meters from a security checkpoint—has left an unspecified number of commuters in the hands of kidnappers.

The Ambush: How It Happened

​According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, the gunmen arrived in a coordinated fashion, blocking a section of the dual carriageway and forcing several vehicles to a screeching halt.

Key Details of the Incident:

  • The Location: The attack took place near the popular MOPOL Junction, a stretch that has recently seen a spike in criminal activity.
  • The Abduction: Passengers from at least two commercial buses and a private SUV were reportedly marched into the nearby forest at gunpoint.
  • Proximity to Security: Witnesses expressed shock and anger that the operation lasted several minutes despite being within earshot of a known police checkpoint.
  • The Aftermath: Several vehicles were left abandoned on the road with their doors flung open and personal belongings scattered, causing a massive traffic gridlock as other motorists fled the scene in reverse.

A Rising Tide of Insecurity

​This latest attack adds to the growing list of security breaches in the region. Only weeks ago, a similar ambush occurred along the Agbani Road axis, resulting in a deadly exchange between gunmen and the Police Distress Response Squad.

​Residents and regular travelers have raised concerns over the effectiveness of the checkpoints, with many calling for active patrols rather than stationary stops that criminals can easily bypass or monitor.

​”We saw them from a distance and thought it was a routine check until we heard the rapid gunfire. People were abandoning their cars and running into the bush. It was total chaos.” — A lucky survivor.

Security Response

​The Enugu State Police Command has reportedly deployed tactical teams to the area to commence “bush-combing” operations in an attempt to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits. However, as of the time of this report, no official statement has been released regarding the exact number of persons abducted.

We will keep you updated as more details emerge from the security agencies.

Do you feel safe traveling along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway lately? What more can the government do to secure these “black spots”?

Let’s hear from you in the comments below! 👇

MacjayBloggs
MacjayBloggs
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