Travelers across Imo and Abia states are expressing growing frustration over skyrocketing transportation costs and the relentless delays caused by numerous military and police checkpoints on major routes. The festive season, which typically sees an increase in travel, has turned into a nightmare for many, with long hours on the road and exorbitant fares dampening the holiday spirit.
Passengers on routes such as Owerri to Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, and Port Harcourt have described their journeys as increasingly unbearable. Transporters blame the fare hikes on persistent extortion at checkpoints, with costs ultimately passed down to passengers. A trip from Owerri to Lagos now ranges from ₦23,000 to ₦25,000, while a journey to Abuja costs between ₦35,000 and ₦38,000. Even shorter distances like Owerri to Aba have seen fares jump from ₦2,500 to ₦3,000.
Commercial driver Charles Agwulonu, who regularly drives the Owerri-Aba route, said a journey that should take 40 minutes now drags on for over two hours due to delays at checkpoints. Fellow driver Ugochukwu Okeiyi, who plies the Owerri-Umuahia route, noted that ongoing federal road reconstruction projects have compounded the delays, forcing vehicles to navigate through heavily congested roads.
Passengers have also raised concerns about their safety and dignity during these checks. Mrs. Chinwendu Uju shared harrowing accounts of passengers being forced to disembark and trek across military checkpoints, exposing them to undue risks and inhumane treatment. Another traveler, Chukwudi Okeke, criticized the checkpoints as revenue-generating schemes for security personnel, rather than effective measures to combat crime.
The situation has also been exacerbated by poor road conditions. In Abia State, commuters and drivers alike are grappling with deteriorating infrastructure. Sunday Emetuh, a driver on the Umuahia-Ohafia route, attributed a recent fatal accident that claimed eight lives to the deplorable state of the Mmuri road. Drivers navigating alternative routes through Bende Road report additional challenges due to ongoing rehabilitation projects, which have faced delays attributed to political interference.
The Joint Security Teams operating the checkpoints have also come under fire for their tactics. Drivers report that young male passengers are often singled out for questioning, resulting in prolonged delays of up to two hours at a single checkpoint. For many commuters, this has not only increased travel times but has also added to the overall stress of holiday travel.
With the festive season in full swing, the combination of fare hikes, endless checkpoints, and dilapidated roads has turned what should be a time of celebration into an ordeal for commuters in the Southeast. Many are calling on the government to urgently address these issues to ease the burden on travelers and ensure safer, smoother journeys for all.