The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the recent deadly attack on travellers in Edo State that left several people dead and others injured. During plenary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, lawmakers expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as another grim reminder of the worsening state of insecurity in the country.
The attack, which occurred along the Benin-Auchi highway, involved unidentified gunmen who ambushed commercial vehicles, opening fire on passengers and abducting others into nearby bushes. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, with some travellers managing to escape while others were not as fortunate.
In a motion presented by Senator Clifford Ordia (Edo Central), the Senate called on security agencies to intensify patrols and surveillance along major highways in Edo and other affected regions. Ordia urged the Federal Government to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed these sentiments, stating, “We cannot continue to watch as innocent Nigerians are slaughtered on our roads. It is the responsibility of the government to protect lives and properties.”
The Senate also called for collaboration between the federal and state governments to deploy more advanced security infrastructure, including surveillance drones and rapid response teams.
So far, security agencies in Edo State have launched a manhunt for the attackers. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident adds to a growing list of violent assaults on travellers in Nigeria, sparking renewed public concern over safety and the effectiveness of the country’s security architecture.
