Travellers lament police extortion and robberies on South-East roads
Some commuters and motorists traveling through the South-East, especially around Onitsha Bridgehead in Anambra State, have voiced concerns over police extortion, touting, and frequent robberies. Victims shared their experiences of being robbed or manipulated by fake transport operators and thieves disguised as bus conductors. Calls have been made to state governors and security agencies to address these issues, as they cause significant hardship for travelers. The Anambra State Police Command has urged the public to report specific incidents to help improve safety.
What we know
- Passengers report being robbed by individuals posing as bus conductors or commercial vehicle operators at motor parks and roadside loading points.
- Victims like Gracebell and Uche Michael described losing valuables such as phones and bags while trying to board vehicles in Onitsha and Enugu.
- Motorists complain about frequent police extortion at checkpoints, which has led to increased transport fares.
- Eyewitnesses recounted an incident where a commercial truck driver was killed and commuters were robbed along the Nawfia end of the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway.
- The Anambra State Police Command encourages the public to report incidents with detailed information to aid ongoing monitoring and disciplinary actions.
