Peter Obi, a leading presidential candidate with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the violent attack on a GUO transport bus travelling between Benin and Ore on the busy Benin–Ore Expressway.
The incident, reported earlier today, saw armed kidnappers ambush the vehicle, tragically resulting in the death of the driver and the abduction of all passengers.
Mr. Obi, a former Anambra State governor, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay, stating the attack was a “devastating” and “increasingly distressing” example of the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.
“This is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the worsening insecurity on our highways and across the nation,” he wrote. “No society can truly thrive under such conditions of fear and uncertainty.”
The candidate highlighted the wider economic impact of the escalating violence, noting that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are suffering as people are afraid to travel.
“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,” he explained.
Mr. Obi called for urgent action to improve security, particularly for those unable to afford air travel. He stressed the need to “rethink and strengthen our national security architecture,” adding that “the protection of lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of the state. Anything less is unacceptable.”
The attack has reignited concerns about safety on Nigerian roads, and is likely to fuel further debate about the government’s ability to tackle the ongoing security challenges.
Mr. Obi concluded his statement with a prayer for the safety of the Nigerian people and offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
