Motorists, Monday, commended police authorities in Enugu State for removing various roadblocks along Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road for smooth vehicular movement this Christmas.
They also applauded security presence along the road that had been recording kidnap cases.
A commercial driver, Jideoffor Ede, said the removal of the barricades on the highway had made journeys faster and smoother.
According to him, “Though policemen still man those checkpoints, the removal of the roadblocks and sandbags has made our operations easier. Before, we queue at various checkpoints numbering over fifteen. We shall be happy if they were removed forever.”
Another driver said, “I was afraid of passing through that road because of the expected heavy traffic. But when I was told that those roadblocks were removed, I became eager to pass through it. And it was true. I commend the state police command for the order.”
Jonathan Eze returned from Yenegoa to Nsukka on Monday. According to him, “I won’t say this roadblocks should be totally removed because at times, they catch some criminals during stop-and-search. But ordering their removal this festive period is timely. I had no trouble passing through there.”
NewsNGR, however, reports that policemen manning the checkpoints along the road have turned them to a centre to solicit “Christmas funds” from both commercial and private drivers.
At various checkpoints inspected, the operatives were seen demanding money from drivers in gentle ways. One of the drivers was heard telling a policeman that, “I saw you in the morning when I was going to Enugu; I did my Christmas then”, while the operatives replied that “our shift just started, so register”.
The two military checkpoints along the Opi/Ekwegbe axis were however not removed.