Gunmen Ambush Vehicles on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Abduct Passengers Near Checkpoint

Panic spread along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway on Saturday evening after gunmen intercepted vehicles and abducted several commuters near the New Spare Parts area by Owa Express, close to the MOPU Junction.

Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., during a busy travel period. The assailants reportedly stopped vehicles and forced an unspecified number of passengers into nearby bushes, despite a Highway Safe Road Police Squad checkpoint located a short distance away.

A survivor described confusion at the scene as motorists abandoned their vehicles and fled to avoid being captured.

The New Spare Parts axis is a key transit point for traders and travellers moving between Onitsha and Enugu. The stretch has also recorded repeated security incidents in recent months.

Residents and regular road users say the latest attack highlights ongoing concerns about safety along the corridor, where multiple police and military checkpoints are stationed. Some commuters have called for increased patrols, especially during evening hours.

The incident comes weeks after the state government introduced surveillance drones intended to improve monitoring along major highways. Authorities said the devices would help detect and track criminal activity in surrounding bush paths.

As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had not issued an official statement.