Commercial bus drivers in Imo State took to the streets to protest what they described as incessant intimidation and harassment by task force personnel.
The protesters, who were members of the Drivers Welfare Association, expressed frustration and astonishment over these officials‘ alleged illegal operations.
Gathering in front of Region Hospital Mgbirichi along the Owerri-Port Harcourt road, the drivers disrupted operations by intercepting buses and offloading passengers.
They said they aimed to draw Governor Hope Uzodimma’s attention to their plight and sufferings.
Chibundu Okoroafor, a protester, lamented the escalating abuses despite the governor’s recent directive dissolving illegal task forces across the state.
He said, “Immediately the announcement was made, the harassment intensified. They dragged us out of our vehicles, confiscated our keys, beat us up, and even punctured our tyres”.
He called on the governor to urgently address the issues.
“If you go to Douglas Road now, there’s nowhere to drop passengers. Touts will immediately attack you, destroy your vehicle, and beat you up,” he revealed.
Another protester, Azubuike Ndubuisi, lamented the negative image the situation gives the state government.
“We want to know if the governor is aware of these people or if they are acting independently. We can’t stay silent“.
Azubuike accused some officials of using Governor Uzodimma’s name to justify their actions.
“They seize your bus and claim, ‘Governor said this, Governor said that,’ but I doubt he authorised this,” he lamented.
Drivers also alleged that some officials wear unofficial uniforms, raising doubts about their legality.
“Our governor is a good man with a human heart. We believe he will investigate these actions and restore order.”
Some drivers alleged that the task force had seized their vehicles and taken them to undisclosed locations.
They called for an investigative committee to identify and address the perpetrators of these actions.
“Our vehicles have been lost in these incidents, and we have suffered enough.”
“We insist on knowing who sent these people engaging in criminal activities in the state.”
The protesting drivers vowed to continue their demonstrations until Governor Uzodimma intervenes decisively. They emphasised that protecting their livelihoods and ensuring accountability is critical for peace and tranquillity.
