Human right group protests return of road blocks in Onitsha, gives IGP 3 Days to dismantle them

By Gloria Anaeze, Onitsha
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Onitsha, Nov. 30, 2017 -- A human rights group, ``Campaign for Democracy’’, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to dismantle road blocks that hinder free movement of persons in Onitsha metropolis.

The group said they were worried about indiscriminate setting of road blocks were creating panic in the city as they were partially grounding business activities in the city and environs.

The Chairman of the group in the South East zone, Uzor A Uzor said they were giving the IGP three days, within which to dismantle the road blocks.

Uzor, however, said the organisation was also protesting illegal extortion of motorists by members of the force.

``We want to say that after this 3- day ultimatum, we will embark on a series of protests to register our position on the matter," Uzor added.

A social critic, Prince Ezenwa noted that travelling from Onitsha to Oba, a distance on not more than 15 kilometres, one could see not less than 11 road blocks.

He alleged that it might be a plan to reintroduce illegal toll collection in the south east geo-political zone.

``We intend to write to the IGP because they (Police) cause a lot of problems to road users.

``They are flouting the IGP's order that all road blocks be dismantled.

``The Gubernatorial Election, which led to the setting up of road blocks has come and gone with the state not experiencing any violent crimes to warrant these problems," Ezenwa said.

The Chairman Ogirisi Igbo Foundation, Dr Linus Uche, said it was a calculated attempt to extort road users during the yuletide.

He added that police collect a lot of money from motorists and other road users, ranging from N100 to N500, and this end up in private pockets.