SEVERAL things are incredible about the series of armed robberies on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. None of them would justify the authorities ceding a section of the highway to marauders, who make a point, whenever they choose, of reminding the public it is their uncontested territory.

Last Sunday’s attack bore all the similarities of past ones – it was at 10, in the morning, the robbers operated unhindered for hours, and those who live nearby said the robbers would be back as was their practice. They wore police uniforms, which draws attention to their boldness. Again, it would surprise only a few that the robbers dressed as policemen. This ploy has been on for years.

Residents of the areas put to siege do not expect protection from the security agencies. They warned motorists who were attacked to depart quickly from the scene. They based their advice on their belief that once the police left, the robbers would be back to business. They had seen that happen times over without the police doing anything remarkable in dealing with the criminals.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with its turn off to Benin City is the busiest highway in the country. Almost every bit of it is inhabited and check points for police, immigrations, customs and road safety, dot it. It compares favourably with the Kano-Maidugiri Expressway in terms of armed robbery attacks. The difference is that the Kano-Maidugiri road is a long stretch of mainly uninhabited land. The authorities sometimes give that excuse for inadequate security in the area, in addition to the influx of thieves from neighbouring countries.

Will any of these reasons be enough for people to stay away from these roads? The Lagos attack in the morning on such a busy road without prompt assistance from the police increases concerns about the effectiveness of the police. Where were the police during the attack? Will they allow these attacks to continue?

The roads are busy, accessible. Where do the robbers find the courage to operate in these brazen manners? When will the police step in to do their job?

Road transportation remains the major and most affordable means of movements in the country. If people are unable to move round for business or pleasure, their plight would worsen. The economy is already in straits; further insecurity will adversely affect production and drag Nigeria to further down the poverty lane.

Other violent crimes are on the rise with most of the security focused on bombs but the security agencies cannot act as if armed robbers have won a right to terrorise Nigerians. Criminals, no matter their kind, should be made to understand they run a high risk of being caught and punished.