Security Concerns, High Costs Force Nigerians To Rethink Yuletide Travels

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Following rising cases of insecurity and the cost of transportation, many Nigerians are opting to remain in their locations and avoiding travelling to their hometowns and villages, as was usually the case at Christmas.

Imo Citizens Express Mixed Reactions, Cautious Optimism

The current security challenges prevalent in Imo State appear to have instilled fear among the citizenry as they contemplate whether to travel or cancel the idea.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend, an Imo native, Ikechukwu Ibezim, stressed that the insecurity resurfacing at this festive period will surely serve as an impediment to travelling to the village for the Christmas holiday.

With the harsh economic realities eating deep into his pocket, coupled with insecurity, Ibezim submitted that he is facing serious challenges.

He revealed that the security situation had thrown him off balance, coupled with the financial demands of the Yuletide season.

He called on the government to re-engineer the security architecture with a view to addressing the situation.

“This scenario could be likened to being between the devil and the deep blue sea. I challenge the government to take charge and act swiftly, so as to restore peace and tranquility in the state. The time to act is now.”

In his response, Uzoma Uwandu said he would manage to travel despite the security challenges, and indicated that he will apply extra caution.

According to him, this festive period is for reunion and he cannot afford not to reunite with his relations.

He called on the government to set up a well-structured vigilante group within the various communities.

“This is the time to reinvigorate the various security outfits within the communities. The state and communities belongs to us and we must find a way to salvage and secure our environment.”

Ahead of the Yuletide celebrations, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders to step up security in their jurisdictions.

He cautioned that security breaches or unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated.
The CP stressed that all hands are on deck to protect lives and property across the state.
According to him, “In collaboration with other security agencies, round-the-clock visibility patrols are being intensified around places of worship, schools, markets, recreational areas, and key infrastructure to maintain peace and order during the festive season.

“All operational units have been ordered to remain alert, intensify patrols, and respond swiftly to emergencies.”

The police commissioner urged officers to stay professional. He warned mischief makers to steer clear, noting that anyone caught will face the full weight of the law.

“Suspicious activities should be reported to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotline: 0803 477 3600,” he said.

Benue Locals To Skip Festive Travel Due To Next Year’s School Fees

In Benue State, some of the people who spoke to our correspondent about their travelling plans during the festive period said they may not be travelling, not because of insecurity, but because they want to save the money they have for their children’s school fees for next year’s academic session.

A trader at Modern Market, Chukwuma Eze, said he had already bought items to send to his mother and his wife’s family to prepare for their Christmas.

“I will not be travelling home not because of insecurity, it is just because of the situation we find ourselves in this country, I cannot go home when I know I am not having enough money,” he said.
Eze said that although he would be travelling on the 30th of December for the New Year festival to see his people and his wife’s family, it would be just to spend a day or two and return.

He added that things are hard now and everyone is learning to cut costs.

A civil servant, Terhemen Abo, said: although things are hard, he will be travelling with his family to Vandeikya to spend Christmas and New Year, and help his mother harvest her crops.

Our correspondent, who visited commercial parks including London Line, Pleasure Travels, NURTW and Flight, observed low patronage as vehicles were parked without passengers—except at Benue Links, where activities appeared normal but did not reflect the usual festive zeal.

Passengers such as Ternenge Asen, Mwuese Abende and Ochojela Ameh said they were not travelling, lamenting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu “has made life difficult for Nigerians to the extent that only the political class are able to travel for festive period to enjoy with their loved ones.”
They lamented rising costs and hardship.

“We have not even reached 2026, we are already thinking about school fees… this is the worst administration I have seen, everybody is crying,” they said.

On police presence, they alleged that visibility policing is often used for extortion, with drivers passing costs to passengers.

On kidnappers targeting Benue Links buses, the General Manager, Sir Alexander Fanafa, said he did not have the figures at hand.

“We have drastically reduced night journeys for all our vehicles… once it is 6pm they should find a safe place to park and continue with the journey the next day and this has help us a lot,” he said.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Sector Commander, Corps Commander Steve Ayodele, warned against reckless driving, overspeeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or substances.

He noted that 3,000 officers and marshals had been deployed across all 23 local government areas of the state.

He added that mobile courts would sit in all LGAs to try traffic offenders.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.

Abians Gear Up To Travel

LEADERSHIP Weekend checks show that many residents are eagerly waiting to travel either to their villages or home states during the period.

At motor parks in Umuahia and Aba, preparations were high as drivers had spent days putting their vehicles in order.

An official of a transport company in Aba, Krees Nzeako, said the company had renovated its bays “in case there is late arrival of passengers from distant places”.

Generally, residents and transporters appeared unbothered by insecurity due to security measures already in place.

A parent expecting children from abroad said: “Our concern, mostly, is about those coming in from outside the state, not within.”

Security agencies confirmed they were preparing adequately.

“For obvious reasons, I will not disclose our safety plans… but be rest assured that as always, we’ll be on ground,” said a senior police officer.

Bauchi Residents Reconsider Travels Over Transport Fare Hikes, Highway Safety

As this year’s Christmas and New Year approach, many Bauchi residents are weighing their travel options amid rising transport fares and heightened insecurity on major highways.

Some families are determined to return to their hometowns within the state, while others whose destinations lie outside Bauchi have opted to remain due to safety concerns.
Food vendor Blessing John, travelling to Baraza, said staying away was not an option:

“I must go home this Christmas… travelling within Bauchi is not risky.”
Malam Manzo Samuel said fare from Bauchi to Lere had risen from N1,500 to N2,500 but was still manageable within the state.

However, residents travelling outside the state were more fearful.
Grace Ezekiel, from Benue State, said:

“We usually travel to Makudi every Christmas, but this year… we decided not to risk it.”
Oluchi Obinna, a spare parts dealer, cancelled his Abia trip, saying it was safer to celebrate in Bauchi “than to risk being kidnapped or robbed on the highway.”

Christmas: Kwarans Afraid of Travelling Home

Residents of Ilorin are afraid to travel due to sustained bandit attacks in Kwara North and South.
Some said family members in troubled communities had already relocated to Ilorin.
One man who gave his name as Sunday Bolaji said he and his family would not travel to Obbo-Ile.
Mrs Shade Kareem said she would not travel to Osi for security reasons.

Transport companies such as Iyeru Okin Express confirmed passengers were abducted recently, though they were later released after ransom payment.

The Kwara Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said arrangements were being made to secure the state, with a security summit planned for next week.

Enugu, Benue Strengthen Ties To Combat Interstate Crimes

To combat interstate crimes along the Enugu–Benue axis, both Police Commands have strengthened collaboration.

Commissioners CP Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent (Enugu) and CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa (Benue) held a joint meeting to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

Ado, Ogbadibo, Okpokwu, Igbo-Eze North, Isi-Uzo and Udenu LGAs were identified as focus areas.

The Commands had recently collaborated to arrest criminals, rescue kidnapped victims and recover stolen items.

CP Giwa directed strict compliance with IGP directives during the season, warning that lapses would not be tolerated.

Security was visibly tightened along the Enugu–Nsukka road.

Security Fear Grips Gombe Residents

Despite no mass abductions recorded in Gombe this year, renewed kidnappings in neighbouring states have caused concern.

At Gombe Mega Park, some residents cancelled travel plans, while others insisted on travelling.
Faith Pam Egwu said she was unsure due to insecurity on the Nasarawa route.

Innocent, however, said: “I will spend my Christmas at home, no matter the situation.”

The Police Command assured residents of heightened patrols and urged commuters to avoid night travel, use registered parks and share travel details with relatives.

Some Families Still Planning For Christmas Travel

Despite insecurity concerns, many families—especially in the South-East—remain determined to travel.
Christmas traditions, reunions and cultural activities, they said, must continue.
Uchenna Ojukwu said:

“I know the roads are dangerous, but Christmas comes once a year. I cannot disappoint my family.”
Transport operators confirmed bookings were rising.

Security analysts say the determination reflects resilience and cultural necessity.