Eko Hot Blog reports The escalating prevalence of roadblocks and extortion along roads in the South-East has raised serious concerns for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, according to Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo (Worldwide).
Speaking at the 2024 General Assembly of the Association of Past Presidents General of Anambra State and Association of Anambra State Town Union in Awka on Friday, Okeke-Ogene expressed dismay over the growing issue.
Okeke-Ogene highlighted that security personnel, donned in various uniforms, are consistently setting up roadblocks across the region, primarily for the purpose of extorting money from motorists rather than ensuring security.
He specifically pointed out a stretch from Onitsha to Ekwulobia road, where more than 10 roadblocks are reportedly used for extortion at different times of the day.
The Vice President asserted that the funds acquired through these roadblocks could have been utilized to construct the much-needed third Niger Bridge in the region.
The Vice President brought attention to the fact that the Association of Past Presidents General of Anambra State was initially founded as a response to maltreatment during the military administration, including harassment, intimidation, and extortion. Expressing disappointment in the increasing prevalence of roadblocks, even in residential areas, Okeke-Ogene urged the public to speak out against the extortion practices.
He emphasized, “Today, the roadblocks have increased, even to residential areas, and nobody is talking. The level of extortions at these roadblocks is enough to build a third Niger Bridge. You can’t imagine how much they make from those roadblocks. And these are done by intimidation, not voluntary. We must continue to fight against it.”
The remarks by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo representative shed light on the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of roadblocks and extortion in the South-East, underscoring the detrimental impact on both the motoring public and the region’s overall development.
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