Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a grave warning that bandits may attempt to block the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria's busiest and most critical highways, in either July or August 2026. The cleric made the declaration during a Sunday service at the church's headquarters, with a video of his remarks later shared on his official TikTok account, urging security agencies to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to avert the looming threat.
In his address, Ayodele stated: “Ibadan. Lagos-Ibadan Express Road. July/August, I do not know the precise time. Bandits will block the road. Lagos-Ibadan Express Road. They will block the road. So the security agencies should note this”. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway serves as a major artery connecting Lagos to several South-West states and the northern region of the country, making it a critical route for commerce and transportation.
The warning comes amid escalating concerns over the spread of banditry and kidnapping into parts of the South-West. Just weeks ago, suspected bandits abducted dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a development that has heightened anxieties about the activities of criminal groups in the region. Ayodele has also recently criticised the Federal Government over the country's security situation, accusing authorities of failing in their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and their property.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Federal Government had issued any official security advisory or response to the cleric's prediction. The warning has been widely reported across major Nigerian news platforms, including Tribune Online, Daily Post, and The Punch, which published the story on June 29, 2026. The lack of an official response from security agencies has raised questions about the government's preparedness to address potential threats on the nation's highways.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a vital infrastructure project that has undergone extensive reconstruction in recent years. Any attempt to block the road would not only disrupt travel but also have significant economic implications, affecting the movement of goods and services between the South-West and other parts of the country. While Ayodele's warning has not been substantiated by intelligence reports, the cleric's previous predictions have occasionally sparked public discourse, and his latest statement is likely to further fuel debate about the government's handling of insecurity.
As the months of July and August approach, security agencies are expected to intensify surveillance and patrols along the expressway to prevent any potential attack. The public has also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Whether Ayodele's warning will translate into a real security threat remains to be seen, but his call for heightened alertness underscores the pervasive sense of insecurity that continues to grip many parts of Nigeria.
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