Nigeria’s worsening security nightmare struck again as a GUO Transport bus was ambushed along the deadly Benin–Ore Expressway, with armed kidnappers reportedly killing the driver and whisking all passengers into the bush in a chilling, all-too-familiar сценарий.
Reacting to the attack, Peter Obi did not mince words, describing the incident as a painful symbol of a country sliding deeper into fear and uncertainty.
“The Attack on the GUO Bus Along Benin–Ore Expressway: Condemnable. I received the devastating report of a violent attack on a GUO transport bus travelling along the Benin–Ore Expressway, where armed kidnappers reportedly ambushed the vehicle, killed the driver, and abducted all passengers into a nearby bush. Sadly, this has become an increasingly distressing and recurring story.”
The former presidential candidate warned that insecurity is no longer just a safety issue but a full-blown economic crisis strangling everyday life across Nigeria.
“This is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the worsening insecurity on our highways and across the nation. No society can truly thrive under such conditions of fear and uncertainty.
The impact of this crisis now cuts across all sectors of national life and development.”
He stressed that businesses, especially small-scale operators, are bearing the brunt as fear keeps people off the roads.
“Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are being severely affected. Transporters are losing passengers, while traders and business owners are losing customers who can no longer travel safely to access goods and services. Economic activity is being quietly strangled by insecurity.”
Calling for urgent action, Obi said the government must overhaul its security approach and prioritize the safety of citizens.
“We must urgently confront this situation and take decisive steps to improve security across the country, especially for ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the option of air travel. We must rethink and strengthen our national security architecture.”
“The protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of the state. Anything less is unacceptable.”
He ended with a solemn prayer: “May God protect our people and grant comfort to the families of those affected.”
