By Patrick Idowu
Commercial drivers in Abuja have lamented low passenger turnout during the Christmas season, blaming fear of bandit attacks on major highways linking the Federal Capital Territory to southern parts of the country.
Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said that despite transport fares remaining lower than last year, many travellers have opted to celebrate Christmas at their bases rather than risk long journeys.
A booking clerk at Zuba Motor Park, Nuruddeen Ashifat, described the situation as unprecedented, noting that buses bound for Lagos, Enugu and Benin were struggling to get passengers.
“As of noon today, our first bus to Lagos had not departed. The same applies to vehicles going to Enugu and Benin. Once a bus leaves late, passengers often demand refunds because they cannot wait endlessly,” he said.
An Abuja-based driver, Michael Olusoga, said frequent reports of kidnappings had discouraged regular travellers.
According to him, flashpoints include the Ajaokuta-Anyigba, Obajana-Kabba and Okene-Auchi roads in Kogi State.
He also attributed delays to ongoing road rehabilitation, which he described as causing “artificial gridlock,” and urged the Federal Government to temporarily open completed sections of the roads or suspend construction until after the festive period.
Another union member, Salihu Adamu, added that the harsh economic situation had further reduced travel, noting that although fares were unchanged, many Nigerians could no longer afford them.
A passenger, Saratutu Ibrahim, said she decided to travel despite security concerns, hoping to reunite with family in Kogi State for the Christmas celebration.
