They are not members of the MOT – Ministry of Transport who control traffic. They are not VIO. They have no job specifications, yet they are ubiquitous in major roads in Enugu East Local Government Area.
They could best be described as thugs or touts whichever you choose. They put on dirty yellow, pink T-shirts and operate on keke, parading fake ID cards.
They have one aim – to extort motorists.
At the slightest opportunity they pounce and threaten to take you to the Local Government headquarters, yet they have no proof of any traffic offence.
They try to intimidate the driver and would attack if money is not forthcoming.
People who know their rights have severally refused to be intimidated and often escape from them.
But for those who may not be connected to the authority, their story is pathetic.
Many have been robbed by these miscreants. Cash, phones, ATM cards are always their targets.
Recently, a man who said he was traveling from Anambra to Abuja was stopped as he parked to buy water. The man was still in his vehicle waiting for the water when they pounced on him.
Clearly the man had not committed any crime, nor contravened any traffic offence and they couldn’t pin him down to any offence.
For refusing to part with his money they pounced on him. The man fought back and by the time people intervened, the man had received sufficient beating and his clothes torn.
This is one of several victims amongst vehicle owners who ply the Nike/Timber/Nike LAKE roads.
This daylight robbery and harassment is allegedly encouraged by the local government administration.
A police source confirmed that severally they had been arrested only to be set free on the orders of the Local Government Chairman.
This is unacceptable and a dent on the new administration led by a refined gentleman Governor Peter Mbah.
This is a new government which is about to make its mark and must not allow miscreants and executive rascality in the Local Government Area to smear its image.
There must be better ways of compensating political thugs rather than unleash them on innocent citizens.
The Enugu/Ugwogo/Opi bypass is a gateway and link road to Abuja and other Northern States. The impression travelers take away is negative and bad public relations for this young administration.
Governor Peter Mbah must act fast and save the poor masses from the daily robbery going on on this road.
A stitch in time…..
