Concerned citizens in Southeast Nigeria are speaking out against the alarming blockades that have become a norm in the region. These blockades, supposedly intended to curb criminality, have instead become a source of frustration, intimidation, and economic hardship for the people of the Southeast.
The sheer number of checkpoints, often manned by soldiers, police, civil defence, and customs officials, is staggering. It’s not uncommon to encounter multiple checkpoints within a short distance, causing lengthy delays and gridlocks that stretch for kilometres. This has resulted in crippling economic activities and stifling freedom of movement.
A recent incident at Opi, along the Enugu-Nsukka road, has sparked outrage among citizens. The blockade, manned by soldiers, has caused untold hardship and frustration for commuters.
The irony is that these blockades are not effective in curbing criminality and kidnapping are still happening along that route, Instead, they have become a conduit for extortion, harassment, and intimidation of innocent citizens. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and other concerned citizens have raised alarms about these blockades, and it’s time for the authorities to listen and take action.
The Southeast region is not a war zone, and it’s time to treat its citizens with dignity and respect.
Concerned citizens are urging the head of the 83 Division to call his men to order and dismantle these checkpoints or make them passable for motorists. They demand an end to these humiliating blockades and a return to normalcy.
