27/12/2024
Nigerian Soldiers Accused of Blocking Major South-East Road, Extorting Passengers
Travellers in the South-East of Nigeria have raised alarm over alleged extortion and chaotic disruptions by soldiers at a military checkpoint on the Enugu-Opi Road. The road, a major route for residents returning home for the festive season, was reportedly blocked, leaving hundreds stranded for hours.
A video shared with SaharaReporters on Wednesday evening captured the frustration of travellers as they lamented the alleged maltreatment by Nigerian security forces. The footage revealed long queues of vehicles, with passengers accusing soldiers of extorting money and creating unnecessary delays.
One traveller, visibly distraught in the video, said:
“Please, somebody should call the 82 Division to tell the soldiers to allow people to go to their destinations. We are coming from the North, and nowhere else do passengers face this kind of horror and humiliation. Why is it only in the South-East that we see such militarisation? Are we less Nigerian?"
Outrage Over Militarisation in the South-East
This incident has sparked widespread anger, with many questioning why the South-East is allegedly singled out for such actions. Critics argue that while checkpoints in the region become avenues for extortion, terrorists continue to wreak havoc unchallenged in other parts of the country, particularly in the North.
One source commented:
"All they know is to extort money from innocent Nigerians while terrorists dance Samba in Sambisa forest."
The Enugu-Opi Road has long been a source of concern for residents due to frequent kidnappings and armed attacks. However, the current military operations have raised fresh concerns about harassment and abuse of power by security personnel.
Calls for Government Intervention
The stranded travellers have called on the Nigerian government to address the situation, urging an end to the militarisation and extortion in the region. Advocacy groups and local residents are demanding better accountability from security forces and questioning why the region faces such disproportionate scrutiny.
Repeated efforts by SaharaReporters to reach Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force (South-East), known as "Operation UDO KA," for comments were unsuccessful. Calls to his phone went unanswered, and a text message sent to him also received no response.
A Troubling Trend
This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s South-East, where accusations of military overreach and extortion have become common. Advocacy groups and residents continue to call for reforms to ensure that the rights and dignity of citizens are upheld, especially during critical travel periods like the holiday season.
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