Gunmen Block Enugu/Abakaliki Road For Over An Hour Despite Army, Police Checkpoints, Injure Several Passengers

Gunmen donning military attire instigated chaos along the Enugu – Abakaliki federal road, leaving a trail of injuries among passengers and motorists. The incident, which transpired between 5 and 6:30 pm, unfolded despite the presence of military and police checkpoints, raising questions about the efficacy of security measures in the region.

Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing experience, revealing that the assailants strategically positioned themselves approximately four poles away from designated military checkpoints at Enugu’s boundary in Idodo, Nkanu East local government area of Enugu State. Expressing dismay, passengers expressed bewilderment at the brazenness of the attack, given the road’s purportedly fortified status with multiple security checkpoints.

Governor Peter Mbah’s deployment of armed policemen and military personnel, aimed at bolstering security along the troubled route, seemed ineffectual as incidents of violence persisted unabated. Victims bore the brunt of the assault, sustaining gunshot wounds and machete lacerations, while numerous vehicles bore the scars of bullet-riddled windshields.

Security personnel stationed at the Ebonyi State border disclosed that such attacks had become alarmingly routine, with gunmen unleashing terror with alarming frequency. Disturbingly, reports suggested collusion between some soldiers and the assailants, casting a shadow of doubt over the integrity of security operations in the area.

An anonymous security official pointed fingers at Fulani herdsmen as the perpetrators, highlighting a reluctance among authorities to address the issue head-on. Despite repeated attempts to engage Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, for comment, his unavailability underscored the urgency of the situation.

After a tense standoff lasting one hour and thirty minutes, the road was eventually cleared, allowing traffic to resume its course.