Transport operators with headquarters in Onitsha, Anambra state have lamented increasing cases of kidnapping and robbery attacks along major highways in the country, especially routes leading to Lagos, Abuja and parts of the North.
The fleet operators, including luxurious buses commuter buses and
executive Siena buses threatened to embark on a nationwide strike targeted at
crippling the transport sector unless the insecurity on the highways were
addressed.
Those who convey passengers from Onitsha to various locations with
loading terminals in Enugu, Aba and Portharcourt regretted that travelling had
become increasingly riskier owing to the security challenges.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, Manager God’s
Will Transport, Emenike Okafor noted that incidences of daylight armed robbery
and abduction of passengers along the highways increased after the #EndSARS
protests.
He identified Benin bypass – Ogbemudia farm to Ore and Kogi area
in Lokoja –Abuja highways as most dangerous hot spots where the bandits operate
unhindered, saying no fewer than six passengers were kidnapped in the areas.
He said, “In the last two weeks, there have been recorded cases of
robbery and abduction of passengers involving Sienna and Hummer buses with
about six passengers kidnapped in the mentioned areas.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police to activate his rapid
response mechanism and the establishment of a joint patrol team involving the
army, Police and the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps in the affected areas.”
While condoling with the Police over the casualties and losses
recorded during the #EndSARS protests, Okafor noted that those involved in the
mayhem aimed at destabilising the country’s security network, insisting they
should be brought to justice.
“No responsible citizen no matter how highly provoked would engage
in burning, looting and attack on the police institution saddled with the task
of protecting the citizens.
“We want the police to go back fully to their duty posts with
renewed vigour and zeal. Let the government motivate them by improving their
welfare packages and ensure that those casualties already recorded receives
adequate compensation,” he added.
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