Follow Us on Google
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
As part of the measures to ensure security, the Awka South Local Government Area has started profiling Keke riders in the capital city.
The chairman of Awka South Local Government, Chinedu Okafor, said the introduction of the new profiling code for tricycle riders was to forestall the infiltration of criminals.
The profiling process includes digital documentation, the introduction of identification numbers and stickers which enable security agencies and tricycle operators, and the general public to identify any Keke in case of crime.
However, the division within the tricycle operators in Awka assumed a dangerous dimension when some factions opposed the introduction of the profile number.
The crisis erupted when some operators accused the council chairman of trying to extort money from them.
Other News
One of the victims of the crisis, Nwali Chukwuma, who was attacked, narrated his ordeal at the hands of the thugs.
He narrated: “They accused me of sabotage and banned me from loading from the park at Aroma after attacking me and seized my Keke for several days.
“Later the Commander of Ocha Brigade came and released my Keke and promised to offset all expenses that I made when I had that face off with them. It is not only me but a lot of us were victims.”
Also speaking, Uramma Martin Chizoba said the profiling had instilled confidence in Keke Operators, adding that this issue of touts harassing their members was a thing of the past.
Ikechukwu Okeazor, also a Keke operator, said they had a digital copy of all the operators registered in Awka Capital, promising to continue to assist the Awka South Chairman to fish out the criminal elements among them.
