Movement along the popular Ore road was brought to a halt after police officers reportedly stopped travellers from proceeding due to information that bandits were operating ahead.
The sudden order immediately disrupted the flow of traffic along the busy highway, forcing dozens of vehicles to queue endlessly as uncertainty spread among passengers and drivers alike.
The development led to a long standstill, triggering frustration and anxiety among commuters caught in the growing gridlock.
Many stranded travellers could be seen stepping out of their vehicles to ask questions, make phone calls, or search for updates on social media about what was happening further down the road.
“This country that we are, even the policemen fear bandits”
In a video circulated online, a distressed traveller narrated the tense situation, expressing disbelief that even security operatives escorting the convoy were unwilling to advance.
“This country that we are, even the policemen fear bandits,” he lamented. “Now we are on Ore road. They said bandits are on the road so we cannot pass. See hold-up. See as we all pack for Ore road and the policemen with us.”
According to him, officers warned the drivers to stay put until they received further updates on the movement of the suspected armed group.
He added that despite the presence of armed personnel, none of the officers appeared confident enough to proceed, leaving passengers confused and fearful of what may happen if the bandits were indeed nearby.
The unexpected halt left hundreds stranded under the scorching sun, with many stepping out of their vehicles to assess the situation.
Some passengers were seen standing by the roadside with children, while others sat on car bonnets and inside buses, waiting anxiously for instructions from the police.
The video also captured several vehicles lined up, with no movement in sight as the convoy waited for clearance.
Several drivers reportedly lamented the loss of time and fuel as engines were kept running, while others switched off their vehicles completely, uncertain about when movement would resume.
The growing gridlock added to the rising tension on the popular Lagos–Benin–Ore axis, a route long considered high-risk in recent years due to repeated incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent attacks on motorists.
For many commuters, the fear was not just about being delayed but about the possibility of accidentally driving into an ambush if the convoy moved too soon without proper security clearance.
Social media reactions
Reacting online, many Nigerians expressed worry over the state of security on major highways.
@Emmalex_8 advised travellers to suspend unnecessary trips during this period. “Please, if it’s not a must or very important, travelling by road this period is not advisable oooooo,” the user wrote, noting the increasing frequency of security warnings.
Other users shared similar sentiments, with some condemning the level of insecurity in the country and questioning the government’s ability to protect citizens on major roads.
Some netizens also criticized the lack of clear communication from authorities, saying motorists deserve timely and official updates instead of relying on rumours and roadside warnings.
Insecurity on highways, particularly in the South-West and North-Central regions, has been a recurring concern, with multiple incidents of abduction for ransom reported in recent months.
Road users say the fear of falling into an ambush has made travel increasingly unpredictable, especially during festive seasons when highways are busier and criminal activities tend to spike.
Several commuters called on the government to increase visible security patrols on major highways to restore confidence and ensure the safety of travellers.
As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether the suspected bandits were eventually driven away or if the convoy was later allowed to proceed.
Watch the video below…
Nigerians be wise, even the police dey fear Bandits (terr0rist) 🤔🤔😨 pic.twitter.com/jlhkxeJp7f
— ÓMÒÉLÉRÍNJÁRÉ (@omoelerinjare) November 28, 2025