Have Some Part Of Eastern Nigeria Become Danger Zone For the Vehicle Owners?

The mention of the phrase “unknown gunmen” immediately ignites fear and terror in the minds of any Nigerian. While some regions of the country have been experiencing cases of unrest and insecurity, Eastern Nigeria is another place that is building dread in the minds of car users and travellers. 

While unknown gunmen have become prevalent in Eastern Nigeria, some parts of the East feel the terror and pressure more than others. Aguata/Orumba Axis of Anambra State, the boundary between Anambra and Imo State, has become the dwelling spot for their operations.

In late February, a Nigerian man, Melie Ajuluchuku, took to social media to warn road users, drivers, and car owners about this new death spot within Orsumoghu-Azia-Ihiala road. He says, “Danger, Keep off Ukpor-Lilu-Orsumoghu-Azia-Mbosi Road, in Anambra State, it is a death trap.” He continues to recount how his brother-in-law, Chief Gab Ofoma (Ojemba Enweilo Nnewi), was gunned down in cold blood as his driver made a detour (due to traffic) from the Onitsha-Owerri highway en route to Port Harcourt.

This area is a danger zone where unknowing drivers and travellers fall prey to the gunmen. 

Last Saturday, a Joint Task Force formed by the Nigerian Army and Navy led a raid into this danger zone, which resulted in the raid of the alleged hideout of the gunmen. During this operation, several items were recovered, including stolen vehicles, charms, and food items. The raid also resulted in the burning down of a stationed bulldozer serving as a block to the camp’s entrance. 

As though that exacerbated the rage of these gunmen, On Sunday, a church driver conveying members to Anambra fell prey to these gunmen. The driver, who survived the attack and preferred to be addressed as Sunny, gave an account of his experience. 

“The encounter was along the Aguata/Orumba Axis. We were headed to an Anglican church in Anambra state when the gunmen violently stopped our vehicle.  “I was led out of my car and into a deep bush while the church members riding with me were led somewhere else by some of the gunmen.

“I was led at gunpoint to see the leader of the gunmen. On getting there, the place was filled with several charms, weapons, and Indian hemp. I was asked to provide ₦150,000, which I fearfully told them I only had ₦150 in my pocket. At that moment, I felt it’d become the end of me. 

“After a long time of calmly explaining that we were en route to a church in Anambra, we were released but not without a warning to not return to this route. I couldn’t believe we left scot-free because not many people have passed through this ordeal without experiencing harm.”

There’s no telling when this unrest will cease in Eastern Nigeria, but while it persists, drivers and road users are seriously abstaining from this area.