NUJ decries rising cases of kidnapping, robbery, police extortion in Abia

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* Seeks govt intervention

By Steve Oko

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council, has decried the rising cases of kidnapping for ransom around Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, as well as extortion of motorists by security agents.

NUJ urged the Abia State Government, to as a matter of urgency, come to the rescue of hapless motorists especially those plying Umuahia- Bende Route who are daily subjected to extortion by security operatives.

It demanded immediate end to the extortion of motorists at a police checkpoint in front of the office of the Commissioner of Police at the state headquarters, Bende Road Umuahia.

The demand was contained in a communiqué by NUJ after its monthly congress in Umuahia.

According to the communiqué jointly signed by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Victor Ndukwe; and Secretary, Adaeze Ralph-Igbokwe, motorists especially tricycle operators have been subjected to intimidations and humiliations by security operatives at checkpoints.

The communiqué read in part:”Congress calls on the State Government to prevail on security operatives in the state to stop the harassment, intimidation and extortion of citizens, particularly at checkpoints. Congress noted that the checkpoints in front of Police headquarters and the MOPOL Base Junction, both on Bende Road, Umuahia, have become notorious in extortion and harassment of motorists.”

Congress expressed worry over the spate of Kidnapping for ransom especially around Umunneochi, and urged the State Government to take immediate actions to curb the menace.

It also urged Government to find lasting solution to incessant robbery attacks/ kidnapping in World Bank Housing Estate (WBHE), Umuahia.

” Residents of WBHE could hardly sleep now with their two eyes closed”, the communiqué stated.

NUJ commended Government “for ensuring that striking teachers in the Basic Education system returned to the classrooms” but urged Government “to honour the agreement reached by both parties to ensure industrial harmony as such development does not augur well for the educational advancement of children in the state.”

The Council reiterated its appeal to Government “to continue to strive to clear the arrears of salaries owed pensioners and staff of Hospital Management Board (HMB)”.

NUJ urged residents of the state who are eligible to vote but do not yet have their voter’s card to get registered for it before the new deadline.

The Council appealed to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to fulfill his promise to deliver on the NUJ secretariat project initiated by his predecessor.

NUJ expressed concern over the welfare of journalists in some private media organisations, and appealed to proprietors of private media Houses to ensure the welfare of their staff through regular payment of salaries.

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