BY SUNNY DAVID
Over 50 drivers were reportedly attacked by suspected touts over alleged multiple levies in Onitsha, Anambra state.
The touts, numbering over 30, allegedly demanded payment of multiple levies from their victims.
Most of the drivers, predominantly commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators, were said to have been injured while their machines damaged in the process.
Reacting, Chairman of United Commercial Keke Napep and Motorcycle Riders Association (UCKEMORAN) Anambra dtate chapter, Chief Arinze Igbanuka, expressed worries over the incident, saying the touts would always go scott-free after the attack.
He said the group would partner with the state government to put a stop to the menace.
“There is no day that passes without 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 drivers being attacked by the touts who collect multiple levies from them. After attacking the drivers, they go scot-free and we say no to that.
“Because of the serious injuries the drivers sustained, our plan to kick-off war against these touts who armed themselves with guns, machetes, club, among others, billed for Friday in Awka, has been postponed to 3rd September in Onitsha, to enable us treat the injured drivers.”
While revealing that the union’s main objective was to sanitize Keke transportation in the state, Igbanuka said, “Our target is to stop all manners of illegal levies being collected from keke operators and ensuring payment of government approved revenues.
“We will also fight criminalities by building a perfect synergy with police and other security agencies and introduce a good welfare package to take care of all Keke operators in the state.”
