By Joseph Ehizojie
Commercial drivers operating at Agbor Park, in Benin City, Edo State capital, took to the streets on Thursday to protest what they described as continuous harassment and oppression by thugs recruited by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The aggrieved drivers blocked major roads, chanting slogans and carrying placards with inscriptions condemning extortion and intimidation by the suspected hoodlums.
According to some of the protesting drivers, the thugs frequently demand illegal levies, seize vehicles, and physically assault those who refuse to comply.
“We can’t continue to suffer under these people who are working for Okpebholo. They beat us, forcefully collect our money, and make life unbearable for us,” said Damian Eze, a commercial bus driver.
The driver called on the state government and security agencies to intervene before the situation escalates further.
Another driver, Clement Sadoh said the drivers can no longer continue with the rate of extortion by the thugs recruited by the State Government.
He said, “We are tired of the double taxation by the thugs collecting levies from us. Daily we pay different forms of levies at Kings Square, Agbor Park and Bypass. This is not why the governor was elected. If you complain you will be beaten by these thugs. Enough is enough.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the protest disrupted traffic along major roads leading to Agbor Road and its surrounding areas, leaving many passengers stranded. Some of the drivers also alleged that previous complaints to law enforcement had not yielded any results, as the thugs continued to operate with impunity.
“Whenever we report to the Police, nothing happens. It’s as if they are above the law,” another driver lamented.
In response to the demonstration, an official of the State Government’s Public Security Respose Team who spoke to our correspondent and does not want his name to be mentioned denied any involvement in the alleged oppression and extortion, stating that the Governor does not support any form of violence or extortion. “Senator Okpebholo is a law-abiding leader who stands for justice. If anyone is using his name to intimidate people, the matter should be properly investigated,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has assured the public that it is looking into the complaints raised by the protesting drivers. A senior police officer urged the drivers to remain peaceful and assured them that those found guilty of harassment and extortion would be brought to justice. As tensions remain high, residents and commuters hope for a swift resolution to the crisis to restore normalcy in Agbor Park.