The Ore road incident on a busy travel day left hundreds of passengers stranded after police officers abruptly halted movement, following reports that suspected bandits were operating ahead on the route. The Ore road incident created widespread confusion as travellers found themselves stuck for an extended period with no clear information on when movement would resume.
Travellers Express Fear and Shock
According to the footage on X (formerly Twitter) by @omoelerinjare, in the middle of the growing traffic build-up, a viral video emerged showing a frustrated commuter recounting the tense situation. The man, visibly shaken, expressed disbelief that even the officers guiding the convoy refused to move forward.
“This country that we are, even the policemen fear bandits,” he lamented, emphasizing his shock. He added that the drivers were instructed to stop immediately because “bandits are on the road so we cannot pass,” pointing to the long line of vehicles that had already formed along the route.
Police Warn Drivers to Stay Still
According to the narrator in the video, police officers reportedly told travelers and commercial drivers to remain in place until they received credible updates about the suspected bandit movement. The officers made it clear that proceeding without proper intelligence would endanger the convoy, worsening the fear among those waiting. See the video below.
The Ore road incident quickly escalated into a major standstill, leaving motorists parked under the scorching heat. Many passengers stepped out of their vehicles, attempting to understand what was happening ahead, while others made phone calls to notify loved ones about the unexpected delay.
Long Gridlock with No Movement
Footage from the scene showed cars, buses, and trucks lined up across the major stretch of the road, with absolutely no movement. Travellers could be seen walking between vehicles, looking anxious as they waited for an update from the officers.
The man who filmed the video also noted the uncertainty at the scene, repeatedly expressing disbelief that the officers accompanying them were just as hesitant to advance. The situation amplified the sense of vulnerability among both the travellers and the security personnel.
A Route Marked by Rising Insecurity
The Ore road incident further highlights the growing insecurity along the Lagos–Benin–Ore axis, a route that has become increasingly notorious for violent activities. Over the past few years, the corridor has recorded multiple cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks on motorists, prompting travellers to remain cautious whenever passing through the region.
Many road users have long complained about the danger associated with the route, especially during early mornings or late evenings. Security reports and previous incidents have contributed to its reputation as a high-risk zone, making travellers more anxious whenever unusual delays occur.
Frustration Grows Among Stranded Travellers
As the situation stretched on, frustration rose among the stranded passengers. Some individuals expressed fear, while others voiced anger at the state of security in the country. With no clear timeframe for when they would be allowed to proceed, the halt became more distressing for families, commercial drivers, and long-distance travellers.
The video and the reactions it sparked online reflect the growing concern about safety on major Nigerian highways. Many commenters questioned why travellers repeatedly face danger on such an important national route, and why security challenges on major roads continue to escalate.