The Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Correctional Service have reopened previously blocked roads in Umuahia, Abia State, providing relief for residents and commuters.

Police Reopen Bende Road

For the past two years, one lane of Bende road, which passes through the Abia State Police Command headquarters and Central Police Station, has been closed by police officers. This measure was put in place following an attack on several police offices in the state, including the burning of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) by unknown gunmen in May 2021.

However, this week, the roadblocks have been dismantled, allowing for the free and smooth movement of vehicles. While police officers continue to patrol the area to ensure security, transporters and commuters have expressed their satisfaction with the decision. They believe it will save them valuable time during transit.

Some commercial transporters have also complained about allegedly being extorted by police officers manning the road during the two-year period of the blockage. They have credited the new Commissioner of Police in Abia, Mr Ken Onwuemelie, for the reopening of the road.

Shop owners in the area have also welcomed the development, as their businesses were adversely affected by the lane closure. The reopening of the road will now allow customers easy access to their shops.

Residents are advised to maintain peace and prevent actions that could lead to the closure of the road again.

Correctional Service Reopens Custodial Centre Road

The Nigerian Correctional Service has also reopened the left lane of the major road in front of the Umuahia custodial centre. This road was closed after an attempted jailbreak by hoodlums in October 2020.

A joint team of Correctional Service personnel and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps had mounted a powerful checkpoint in front of the facility, forcing vehicles to use only one lane. However, the roadblock has now been dismantled, allowing for the free flow of traffic.

In October 2022, the custodial centre was attacked by bandits attempting a prison break. However, due to a strong defense by the Correctional Service personnel and support from various security agencies in Abia, the attack was repelled, and the hoodlums fled.