The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council, says it has observed with concern the influx of criminal elements masquerading as tricycle and motorcycle operators in parts of the state .
The Council in a communique issued after its monthly meeting in Umuahia, strongly condemned criminal activities associated with elements claiming to be genuine transporters.
In the communique signed by Chairman of Abia NUJ, Chidi Asonye, and State Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu, the journalists observed that the activities of the criminal elements are increasingly affecting the security of the state and endangering the lives of Keke and Okada passengers, especially at night.
The Council called on the Abia State Ministry of Transport to collaborate with Keke and Okada unions in the state to regulate and possibly profile their members as a way of curbing the menace of the criminals.
“In view of rising insecurity in Nigeria and the need to be proactive in protecting our communities, congress calls on traditional rulers of autonomous communities, presidents general and town union leaders to set up measures to monitor and comb their lands in order to ensure safety of farmers in their areas,” the Abia NUJ advised.
The congress, while commending the efforts of the state government in security matters so far, however, urged it to take a step further by organizing security summits for traditional rulers and stakeholders in local communities with a view to educating them on the importance of security and encouraging them to take such situations very seriously.
Additionally, the journalists urged the Abia State government to employ forest guards who would comb communities in order sweep away criminal elements that may be hiding in the bushes.
NUJ raises alarm over criminals masquerading as Keke, Okada riders in Abia