MAIDUGURI : TRICYCLE OPERATORS PROTEST POLICE EXTORTION
Major streets in Maiduguri Metropolis, were barricaded yesterday by hundreds of tricycle operators, protesting extortion by policemen, the protest led to traffic gridlock around Post office, West End Roundabout and other busy areas in the capital city.
In a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Edet Okon, he said the protest was as a result of non-provision of motor parks for their operations and not the alleged police extortion.
Reacting to the situation, Borno State Police Commissioner, Mr. Damian Chukwu, disbanded Central Motor Traffic Division in Jere and Maiduguri Metropolis.
Speaking to newsmen in his office, Chukwu said he had already commenced investigation into a rumoured extortion by the Police, insisting that anyone found wanting will be dealt with according to the law.
His words: “Today (yesterday), different groups of tricycle operators mobilised and blocked some roundabouts within Maiduguri Metropolis, claiming illegal collection of levies by local government authorities without provision of motor parks.
“The protesters also alleged harassment and extortion by security personnel, especially the Central Motor Traffic Division, Maiduguri.
“Borno State Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General and myself promptly intervened and the situation was brought under control
“In the meantime, I have disbanded the Central Motor Traffic Division, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID.”
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