From Enyinna Omoke
Following the rising rate of police extortion of motorists in Abakaliki the capital of Ebonyi state, many motorists and other road users plying Nwezenyi-Obubra junction and others have lamented the high handedness and extortion by men of Nigeria Police Force at Onuebonyi checkpoints, besides Jezco filling station.
They accused the security men stationed at the busy Onuebonyi checkpoint of turning the place into an extortion point. The development has become worrisome as the situation has compelled the people to call on the attention of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Augustina Ogbodo to urgently intervene in either relocating them or caution them against intimidation and extortion.
Narrating his experience, a tricycle operator, Mr Emmanuel Igwe frowned at the attitude of the team who according to him has shifted interest from securing the lives of the people to making the point a toll gate. “We Keke riders are their major target and we pay between 200-500, and 1000 naira each time we pass the checking point or better say, toll gate. “They mandated us to pay same amount even if you are carrying a passenger that’s going to the nearest Sharon junction and you pay same while coming back; the situation is worrisome and pathetic. “I spend more money than I use in fueling my Keke even when price of fuel is high, but we have no option as they will force you to pay over one thousand naira if you dare challenge them.
Another bus driver and motorcyclist, Mr Ojeogu Michael faulted activities of the security men stating that though they’re not against the security checking point, but the men has drifted off from their lawful duty. Ojeogu who commended the state governor, Francis Nwifuru and security agencies in the state for their proactive approach in taming insecurity urged the state Commissioner of Police to address the issue of extortion and intimidation at various check points in Ebonyi state as attitude of some officers towards money are creating bad image for the noble security architecture across the state
