The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has expressed concern over the increasing presence of criminal elements allegedly disguising themselves as tricycle and motorcycle operators in parts of the state.
The NUJ council made its position known in a communique issued after its monthly meeting in Umuahia, where it strongly condemned criminal activities linked to individuals posing as legitimate transport operators.
The communique, signed by the Abia NUJ Chairman, Chidi Asonye, and State Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu, noted that such activities were increasingly threatening security in the state and endangering the lives of Keke and Okada passengers, particularly at night.
The council called on the Abia State Ministry of Transport to work closely with tricycle and motorcycle unions to properly regulate and profile operators as part of efforts to curb the growing security challenge.
It also urged traditional rulers, presidents-general, and town union leaders to put measures in place to monitor their communities and ensure the safety of farmers and residents, especially in rural areas.
“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 communique stated.
While commending the state government’s efforts in addressing security issues, the NUJ called for further action, including the organisation of security summits for traditional rulers and other stakeholders to improve awareness and community-based security responses.
The journalists also urged the Abia State Government to consider the recruitment of forest guards to patrol communities and flush out criminal elements suspected to be hiding in forested areas.
