Hard times await criminals using tricycles for robbery in Onitsha, Ogbaru — Operators

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

Commercial tricycle operators in Onitsha and Ogbaru Local Government Areas of Anambra State have vowed to collaborate with security agencies to identify and apprehend criminals using tricycles to perpetrate robberies and other crimes in the areas.

The operators, under the aegis of the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum, AKDF, said the decision was taken in appreciation of what they described as the efforts of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, in removing illegal police checkpoints allegedly used to extort commercial tricycle operators.

Speaking during a briefing at the forum’s office along Obodoukwu Road in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, leaders of the association commended the police commissioner for ordering officers allegedly involved in “pole-to-pole extortion checkpoints” to vacate the roads.

The group, represented by its Coordinator, Ugochukwu Adiele, Secretary, Diribe Achuko, and veteran operator, Cyprain Ajaero, said the development had positively impacted their businesses and daily earnings.

According to them, the removal of the checkpoints had reduced the financial burden on operators, enabling many of them to return home daily with enough money to support their families after settling tricycle owners.

“The Commissioner of Police is doing great work in the state. For removing the extortionist policemen who mounted checkpoints on the roads to extort money from keke drivers, we say it is a welcome development,” the group stated.

The operators alleged that before the intervention, commercial tricycle business had become unprofitable due to constant extortion by security operatives, particularly in Onitsha and Ogbaru areas.

They pledged to support the police in sanitising the tricycle transport sector by exposing operators involved in robbery, “one chance” crimes, and other criminal activities.

“Henceforth, any keke operator who uses his tricycle to engage in criminal activities, including robbery and one-chance operations, will be identified and exposed. We will partner with the police to reduce crime associated with keke operations,” the forum stated.

The association also urged other security outfits in the state, including Anambra Vigilante Group, Operation Udo Ga Achi, Agunechemba, Ndi Aka Odo, and SASA, to emulate the police commissioner by discouraging extortion and illegal activities.

The operators further appealed to the Commissioner of Police to ensure confidentiality in handling intelligence provided by members concerning criminal elements operating within the tricycle business.

They also commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for road construction projects across the state, saying improved roads had reduced the cost of repairing their tricycles.

“Damages associated with bad roads have reduced significantly because of the governor’s road projects across the state,” they said.

However, the operators raised concerns over the activities of alleged illegal park operators and touts in parts of Onitsha and Ogbaru, accusing them of extorting between N1,000 and above daily from drivers.

They identified areas such as Savoy Junction, Ezeiweka Road, Nkpor Junction, Old and New Market roads, and Enamel Junction as locations where illegal parks allegedly operate.

The group called on the Managing Director of SASA, Monday Nwekoye, to clamp down on touts and any officials allegedly aiding illegal collections in the affected areas.

According to the operators, activities of the illegal park operators often force passengers to trek long distances before boarding tricycles, creating hardship for commuters and drivers alike.

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