The Kwara State chapter of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has advised motorists to avoid travelling at night, citing increasing incidents of kidnappings and highway attacks across the state. The warning, delivered by the state chairman, Abdulrahman Onikijipa, comes amid growing security concerns affecting commuters and transport operators in Kwara and neighbouring states.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Onikijipa urged travellers to restrict journeys to daylight hours, particularly on isolated or high-risk routes. He stressed that the advisory is meant to reduce the risk of abduction and enhance personal safety.
“Motorists are advised to avoid night journeys on dangerous and isolated highways. Travellers should remain vigilant, carry fully charged phones, and avoid unnecessary stops,” Onikijipa said.
The warning reflects recent incidents in Kwara State, where armed groups have reportedly abducted residents during nighttime attacks. In one notable case, a housewife and her son were abducted in Edu Local Government Area after attackers stormed their village, firing shots to intimidate residents before carrying the victims away.
These incidents are not limited to Kwara. Similar attacks have been reported along the Igbeti–Kishi road in Oyo State, where four passengers were abducted before being rescued by police. Nationwide, citizens have increasingly expressed concern over the rising insecurity, with some communities staging protests against kidnappings and demanding stronger government interventions.
Security analysts note that night travel presents a higher risk due to reduced visibility, lighter traffic, and limited security presence, making travellers easier targets for criminal groups.
Motorists have been advised to plan trips during the day, use trusted transport companies, inform someone of their routes, and stick to major highways where patrols are more frequent. While the advisory does not constitute an outright ban, authorities and transport associations stress that caution is essential for anyone travelling on Nigerian roads after dark.
