By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha
Transport operators with headquarters in Onitsha, Anambra state have lamented increasing cases of kidnapping and robbery attacks along major highways in the country especially route leading to Lagos, Abuja and parts of the North.
The fleet operators, including luxury buses, commuter buses and executive Siena buses regretted that traveling had become increasingly riskier, revealing that no fewer than six cases of abduction of passengers involving Sienna and Hummer buses were recorded within two weeks.
They threatened to embark on a nationwide strike targeted at crippling the transport sector unless the insecurity on the highways was addressed.
Addressing newsmen on Friday, Manager, God’s Will Transport, Emenike Okafor noted that daylight robbery and abduction of passengers along the highways had increased after the EndSARS protests.
He identified Benin bypass – Ogbemudia Farm to Ore and Kogi area in Lokoja –Abuja highways as most dangerous hot spots where the bandits operate unhindered, saying no fewer than six passengers were kidnapped in the areas.
He said: “In the last two weeks, there have been recorded cases of robbery and abduction of passengers involving Sienna and Hummer buses with about six passengers kidnapped in the mentioned areas.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police to activate his rapid response mechanism and the establishment of a joint patrol team involving the army, Police, and the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps in the affected areas.”
While condoling with the Police over the casualties and losses recorded during the EndSARS protests, Okafor noted that those involved in the mayhem aimed at destabilising the country’s security network, insisting they should be brought to justice.
“No responsible citizen, no matter how highly provoked would engage in burning, looting, and attack on the police institution saddled with the task of protecting the citizens.
“We want the police to go back fully to their duty posts with renewed vigour and zeal. Let the government motivate them by improving their welfare packages and ensure that those casualties already recorded receives adequate compensation” he added.
