FCT residents plead with Wike to crack down on hoodlums harassing motorists

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the auspices of the FCT Indigenes Retired Senior Paramilitary Union, have appealed to Minister Nyesom Wike to act swiftly and decisively against hoodlums who harass motorists who dump relatives or passengers on the roadside.

One of the Coordinators of the Union, Elder Danjuma Dara, while briefing the press on the challenges facing motorists, lamented that there has been an alarming increase in the activities of hoodlums masquerading as union workers on major roads in the FCT, who aggressively overtake motorists who drop off or assist passengers on main roads.

Dara noted that this trend not only poses a serious security threat, but also significantly undermines efforts to maintain order and cleanliness in the capital.

He called on the FCT minister to take immediate steps to rid Abuja roads of these individuals before the situation escalates further.

According to a senior statesman, reports suggest that these hoodlums adopted a brazen approach to extort 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 the ‘services’ they allegedly provide.

“Many of these self-styled ‘union staff’ have no connection to legitimate organizations and use their presence to create a false sense of authority, causing confusion and distress among drivers and passengers alike.

“The consequences of such failures are far-reaching. Motorists, many of whom are simply trying to help those in need, find themselves torn between wanting to help and fearing persecution. Even if you help your relatives, you are afraid of throwing them on the sidelines because of these hooligans.

“This has led to an increase in citizens’ reluctance to share rides or support vulnerable people on the streets. The safety and integrity of our transport networks are at risk as these hoodlums undermine the very fabric of community support that holds Abuja together,” he said.

In light of these pressing issues, he welcomed the Minister’s statement on the resolution of the beggar problem in Abuja scheduled for October 28, 2024.

“While the removal of beggars is a necessary step towards restoring the dignity and aesthetics of our city, it is equally important that the minister broadens his focus to include the problem of hooligans soliciting motorists.

“These two problems, although different, have a common root in the need to strengthen law enforcement and city management in the capital of the country. Wike’s commitment to revive the city gives hope to the people of Abuja who have long suffered from various forms of public order,” he said.

The senior statesman said the removal of beggars was a laudable step, noting that it was equally important to create a safe environment where citizens could help each other in these difficult times without fear of harassment or extortion by hoodlums.

He said an integrated approach that addresses both challenges will greatly enhance the livability and security of the FCT.

“The urgent need for action cannot be overstated. He is calling for coordinated efforts between the police, transport unions and government agencies to reclaim the streets of Abuja from these hoodlums. We suggest taking the following measures.

“Police and security operatives should be more visible on Abuja roads, especially during peak hours when harassment tends to escalate. This will help scare away hooligans and calm motorists.

“Emphasize the dangers of interacting with these people. Motorists should be taught how to handle confrontations with extortionists and report incidents immediately,” he said.

He also advised the FCT minister to work with legitimate union representatives to address the issue from the community perspective that by distinguishing between genuine union members and hooligans, government can regain control of the streets.

“The FCTA should impose stricter penalties on individuals who have been involved in intimidation and extortion. This will serve as a deterrent to any potential violators,” he said.