On June 13 2023, Everydaynewsngr.net published a report with the headline ‘Harassment of Motorists by Enugu LG Touts must stop….’
Harassment of motorists by Enugu LG touts must stop, chairman should be called to order
Below are Excerpts from that report…
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…..
Everydaynewsngr.net was happy to report on April 24, 2024 in another headline..
Enugu East Touts: Govt rescues motorists, bans Illegal tolls, extortion
The report states that the Enugu State Government has banned all forms of illegal tolls and extortion of motorists by touts.
The government order was announced at a press conference addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the Government House, Enugu with critical stakeholders in attendance.
Prof. Onyia said: “The Government recognises the pivotal role of efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure in driving our target to grow our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion naira and make the state the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and for living.
“Therefore, the government notes with dismay the reports of the incessant harassment and extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums, who masquerade as revenue collectors in some parts of the state.
The government deplores the observed extortions and excesses by hoodlums on our roads.
“In order to stem the excesses and ensure a free movement of persons, goods, and services as well as improve logistics and supply chain operations in Enugu State, the Enugu State Government hereby orders such extortionists to clear off our roads, as anybody caught engaging in such activities henceforth will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. All local government areas are to take note and ensure full compliance with this directive.
One who has not has not experienced the terror from these touts will not understand the import of the government order.
Yes, it’s not for Enugu East alone, Obollo Afor axis is also involved.
The people are excited by this bold step. We are urging you to take the further step of ensuring total compliance and implementation. Thanks, the peoples’ Governor for coming to our rescue.
Keep a date every Monday for Good Morning Mr Governor.
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