Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the auspices of FCT Indigenes Retired Senior Paramilitary Union have appealed to the Minister, Nyesom Wike to act swiftly and decisively against the hoodlums harassing motorists who drop relatives or passengers by the roadside.
One of the coordinators of the Union, Elder Danjuma Dara, in a press briefing on the challenges faced by motorists, lamented that major roads in the FCT have seen alarming increase in the activities of hoodlums masquerading as union staff, who have been aggressively accosting motorists who drop off or assist commuters along major roads.
Dara said this trend posed not only a serious safety threat, but also significantly undermines the effort to maintain order and cleanliness in the capital city.
He urged the FCT Minister to take immediate action to rid Abuja roads of these individuals before the situation further escalates.
According to the elder statesman, reports indicate that these hoodlums have adopted a brazen approach to extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.
“They often target vehicles that stop to pick up or drop off passengers, using intimidation and aggressive tactics to demand cash in exchange for ‘services’ they claim to provide.
“Many of these self-appointed ‘union staff’ have no affiliation with legitimate organisations and use their presence to create false sense of authority, causing confusion and distress among drivers and commuters alike.
“The consequences of such disruptions are far-reaching. Motorists, many of whom are simply trying to assist those in need, find themselves caught between the desire to help and the fear of harassment. Even if you assist your relatives, you get scared to drop them by the roadside because of these hoodlums.
“This has resulted in an increased reluctance among citizens to engage in carpooling or support vulnerable individuals on the streets. The safety and integrity of our transport networks are at stake as these hoodlums undermine the very fabric of community support that holds Abuja together,” he said.
In light of these pressing issues, he applauded the Minister’s announcement to address the problem of beggars in Abuja, scheduled for action on October 28, 2024.
“While the removal of beggars is a necessary step towards restoring the dignity and aesthetics of our city, it is equally vital that the minister broadens his focus to encompass the problem of hoodlums extorting motorists.
“The two issues, while different, share a common root in the need for enhanced law enforcement and urban management in the nation’s capital. Wike’s commitment to revitalising the city brings hope to Abuja residents who have long suffered from various forms of public disorder,” he said.
The elder statesman said that the removal of beggars was a commendable move, saying it is equally important to create a safe environment where citizens can assist one another in these challenging times without fear of harassment or extortion by hoodlums.
He said that a comprehensive approach that addresses both issues will significantly enhance the livability and safety of the FCT.
“The urgent need for action cannot be overstated. It calls for coordinated efforts among the police, transportation unions, and government agencies to reclaim the streets of Abuja from these hoodlums. We propose the following measures to be taken.
“There should be an increase in police and security personnel visibility on Abuja’s roads, especially during peak hours when the harassment tends to escalate. This will help deter hoodlums and reassure motorists.
“Highlight the dangers of engaging with these individuals. Motorists should be educated on how to handle confrontations with extortionists and report incidents promptly,” he said.
He also advised the FCT minister to engage with legitimate union representatives to address the issue from a community standpoint, that by distinguishing between real union members and hoodlums, the government can regain control of the streets.
“The FCTA should establish harsher penalties for individuals found engaging in intimidation and extortion. This would serve as a deterrent to any potential offenders,” he said.
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