The multiplication of police and military checkpoints especially on the Lagos – South-East, and Port Harcourt-Owerri-Onitsha routes are quite alarming coupled with the terrible state of the roads. Ironically, several security problems such as kidnappings, armed robbery, molestations have frequently occurred on these routes despite the huge presence of military and paramilitary security agencies.
Nigerians are not in war time and so, the roads need not be militarized. Its absolutely disgraceful that instead of combating crimes, the so-called security agents posted on these routes have totally resorted to unnecessary multiple checking of vehicle documents and extortions; forcefully collecting money from drivers and commuters for no justifiable reasons.
Some security agents intentionally delay citizens who are hurrying to meet up with daily living demands on a flimsy excuse of checking their driver’s licence and vehicle papers while seriously searching for a tiny loophole to request for money.
This is quite disgraceful! More disgraceful is the fact that they carry out the business of extortion openly as if it is legal and have gone to the extent of providing change when given higher currency notes. This singular act has brought unimaginable level of disregard and disrespect for the security agencies who have left their primary responsibility of protecting lives and property for illegal collection of money on these highways.
The federal and state governments should, as a matter of urgency, look into these ugly and heinous crimes being committed on these routes by the security agencies for these have become a nightmare to the citizens.
Nigerians are groaning under the massive economic hardship in the country and as so need no additional undue pressures on their daily lives. The governments at all levels are called upon to intervene immediately and stop this unwarranted, flagrant exploitation and extortion of motorists and innocent citizens plying these routes.
This is a disgrace to the nation and should be urgently addressed to prevent possible breakdown of law and order on these highways.
