PG Non Indigenes Calls for Calm As UNIZIK Okoda Riders Lament Extortion by Security Operatives

Motorcycle riders operating around the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka school gate and its environs have lamented persistent harassment and alleged extortion by security operatives, including members of a vigilante group.
During a peaceful protest meeting ,the riders complained that they are constantly harassed in parts of Amansea and Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area.
According to the motorcycle operators, some security operatives have stationed themselves around the school gate and allegedly impose daily taxes on them while claiming to be working for the state government, despite failing to provide proper identification or official authorization.
At a peace meeting involving the motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada riders, their executives, and the President-General of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, Prince Chigozie Nweke, the riders expressed concern over the continuous harassment, intimidation, and payment of levies to unidentified individuals who claim to represent the government.
They stated that the alleged extortion and intimidation have severely affected their businesses and livelihoods.
Speaking during the meeting aimed at finding a lasting solution to the crisis, Dr. Daniel Balami, a member of the Elders Council of the Non-Indigene Group, lamented the impact of the situation on motorcycle riders and stressed the need for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation and restore peace and harmony in the area.
According to him, the peace meeting with the President-General of the Non-Indigenes Group was a step in the right direction.
One of the leaders of the motorcycle riders in Ifite, Mr. Victor, stated that the level of harassment and intimidation against motorcycle operators has become unbearable and continues to worsen, especially around the Royal Kitchen area.
He recalled an incident in which a motorcycle rider was allegedly shot in the leg by a vigilante operative for refusing to comply with extortion demands.
He appealed for urgent intervention while also appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as his inclusive style of leadership.
Speaking further, another motorcycle rider, Muhammad Audu, lamented that the extortion and unexplained taxation had become excessive.
He noted that the riders are willing to properly organize themselves if the government openly and honestly engages with them for taxes.
Another executive of the motorcycle riders, Mr. Victor Gwamshe, emphasized that the matter has gone beyond the control of the group’s leaders, whom he accused of sometimes pursuing personal interests instead of protecting members.
He alleged that the multiple levies imposed on the riders include collections by a group wearing jackets bearing the inscription “ARTMA Volunteers,” whose official identity and authority, according to him, remain unclear.
He further alleged that members of the group frequently take advantage of every opportunity to extort motorcycle riders.
On his part, an Okada rider, Sanisu Ibrahim, stated that the persistent harassment and intimidation led to a confrontation between the riders and some individuals, resulting in the impounding of about 25 motorcycles belonging to members of the group.
According to him, the development created tension and rancour within the community.
He called for dialogue and peaceful engagement to resolve the issues and calm tensions in the area.
Meanwhile, the leader of Northern residents living in Ifite Awka and Amansea, Haruna Buba, advised all parties involved to exercise caution and embrace peaceful dialogue in order to achieve an amicable settlement.
Responding to the grievances of the riders, the President-General of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, Prince Chigozie Nweke, called for calm among the affected groups.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his inclusive leadership style, which he said has enabled non-indigenes living in the state to benefit from government policies and programmes.
Prince Nweke urged members of the group to take advantage of the free basic education policy introduced by the state government by enrolling their children in school.
He also encouraged them to utilize the free antenatal and delivery healthcare services available in the state for their wives.
He assured the riders that the leadership of the Non-Indigenes Group would never support or shield criminals or individuals causing unrest in the state, noting that Anambra now enjoys a proactive security structure.
According to him, the grievances and concerns raised by the motorcycle riders would be carefully looked into in order to resolve the issues and ensure lasting peace.
He also cautioned the riders against accepting or transporting items without proper knowledge of their contents through waybill arrangements.
“Avoid getting into trouble for something you know nothing about,” he warned.