The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has raised concerns over the increasing activities of criminal elements allegedly disguising themselves as commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) operators in the state, describing the trend as a serious threat to public safety and security.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the NUJ Abia State Council, Comrade Chidi Asonye, and the Secretary, Comrade Iyke Onuegbu, and made available to newsmen today, the union expressed worry over the growing insecurity associated with some operators in the transport sector.
The communiqué, which emanated from the council’s monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Umuahia, noted that the activities of the suspected criminals have continued to endanger the lives and property of residents, particularly users of commercial tricycles and motorcycles, especially during night hours.
Consequently, the congress called on the Abia State Ministry of Transport to collaborate with tricycle and motorcycle operators’ unions in the state to properly regulate, register and profile their members as a means of identifying and eliminating criminal elements operating under the guise of commercial transportation.
The journalists also expressed concern over the rising insecurity across the country and urged traditional rulers, presidents-general and leaders of town unions in autonomous communities to adopt proactive measures aimed at safeguarding their communities.
According to the communiqué, community leaders should strengthen local surveillance mechanisms and ensure regular monitoring of community lands and forests to protect farmers and residents from criminal attacks.
The NUJ further appealed to the Abia State Government to organise security summits for traditional rulers and other key stakeholders in local communities to deepen awareness of emerging security challenges and encourage greater participation in community-based security initiatives.
Congress also urged the state government to employ forest guards to patrol forests and rural communities with a view to flushing out criminal elements and strengthening security across the state.
The communiqué reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ Abia State Council to promoting peace, security and development in the state through constructive engagement and advocacy on issues affecting the welfare of citizens.
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