NUJ warns of criminals posing as Keke and Okada riders in Abia.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council, has expressed concern over an increase in criminal elements posing as tricycle and motorcycle operators in parts of the state.

Following its monthly meeting in Umuahia, the Council issued a communique strongly condemning the criminal activities carried out by individuals who claim to be legitimate transporters.

Signed by Chairman Chidi Asonye and State Secretary Iyke Onuegbu, the communique notes that these criminal activities are increasingly compromising the security of the state and endangering the lives of Keke and Okada passengers, particularly at night.

The Council urged the Abia State Ministry of Transport to work with the state’s Keke and Okada unions to regulate and possibly profile their members as a means of curbing the menace.

“In view of rising insecurity in Nigeria and the need to be proactive in protecting our communities, congress calls on traditional rulers of autonomous communities, presidents general and town union leaders to set up measures to monitor and comb their lands in order to ensure safety of farmers in their areas,” the Abia NUJ advised.

While commending the state government’s efforts in security matters, the congress urged it to take further steps by organizing security summits for traditional rulers and local stakeholders. The aim is to educate them on the importance of security and encourage them to treat such situations with the seriousness they deserve.

Additionally, the journalists called on the Abia State government to deploy forest guards who would patrol communities to eliminate criminal elements that may be hiding in the bushes.