Commercial drivers in Niger State have downed their tools and protested over the worsening security situation on the Mokwa–New Bussa–Babanna route, following reports that six drivers were killed and 17 others abducted in the past month.
The state Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, Abubakar Musa Bala, raised the alarm over the attacks, which he said had heightened fears among motorists operating along the route.
Bala, who spoke through the union’s Treasurer, Alhaji Danladi Abdullahi, said the security concerns prompted drivers in Mokwa to take to the streets in protest.
The protesters reportedly blocked the Mokwa–Lagos Highway and the Mokwa–New Bussa–Babanna road for two days, causing disruption to vehicular movement.
Abdullahi said the drivers acted independently and did not obtain the approval of the union before commencing the protest.
He explained that the NURTW leadership subsequently intervened alongside security authorities, leading to the restoration of calm.
According to him, the protest commenced on Sunday and became more intense the following day before the situation was brought under control.
He said the drivers, however, resumed their industrial action on Tuesday by closing motor parks across Mokwa to draw attention to the worsening attacks on motorists.
Abdullahi added that operators of articulated vehicles joined taxi and bus drivers in the protest, underscoring the broad concern among transport workers.
Confirming the development, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command would intensify security operations along the affected roads.
He said personnel would conduct daily patrols on the routes as part of measures to protect motorists and other road users from further attacks.
