The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Enugu State chapter, has called on the state commissioner of police to check the excesses of the command’s operatives manning various checkpoints in the state capital.
The youths stated this in a release signed by its state Chairman, Comrade Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh, on Tuesday.
The group notified the police commissioner that the excesses of the operatives manning the checkpoints are rampant “between 7:30pm – 9pm daily”.
He mentioned the affected areas to include Monkey Roundabout, Independence Layout, Lomalinda Estate, Sabbath Bus Stop New Heaven, H.R.C Checkpoints, Police Detective Checkpoints by Uwani, and Otigba Roundabout.
Quoting him, “The current situation, where citizens are delayed for 18-25 minutes, consuming fuel in these critical situations and potentially falling prey to late-night risks, is unacceptable.
“Keke drivers and mini-bus operators are disproportionately affected, facing prolonged delays that jeopardise their safety as many have fallen victims of having their mini-buses and Keke seized due to violating the state government’s 9pm ‘stop driving movement directive’.”
The group commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s willingness to partner with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to revamp police training institutions, and charged the police commissioner to emphasise professionalism and community-oriented policing.
The group tasked the CP to streamline checkpoint procedures by implementing efficient protocols to minimise delays, as well as enhance officer training.
The release urged the CP to “Focus on community engagement, empathy, and conflict resolution; ensure periodic inspections to maintain high standards.”
By addressing these issues, the CP would have enhanced the safety and harmony of Ndi Enugu youths and all citizens, the statement concluded.