Nigeria's Highways of Fear: A Nation Under Siege
Nigeria's Highways of Fear: A Nation Under Siege By Hon. Daniel Asekhame There was a time in Nigeria when the mere mention of notorious armed robbers sent fear across the country. Names like Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini became synonymous with violent crime. Their exploits dominated newspaper headlines, and their eventual capture gave Nigerians hope that law enforcement could prevail over criminality. Today, however, the security landscape has changed dramatically. The fear that once centred on a handful of armed robbers has evolved into a nationwide crisis involving armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and attacks on innocent travellers. For many Nigerians, embarking on a journey by road has become an exercise in faith rather than a routine means of transportation. During the 1970s and 1980s, armed robbery was the country's greatest security concern. Criminals such as Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini terrorized communities and highways, but their...