Some youths were seen today on the street behind Ikelebe Sports Arena in Auchi collecting fares from both okada riders and passengers before passing through in a bid to avoid Igbe main road which has gone bad and unusable by motorcyclists.
Some youths who are believed to be from the Igbe-Aibotse axis of Auchi Sacred kingdom have taken advantage of the bad condition of Igbe road to make monies by laying roadblocks on the street currently being used by motorcyclists as bypass.
Auchi Info gathered that these youths who are described by some residents of the area as hoodlums come out as early as 6a.m to 1pm daily to make their collections by ensuring that the road is blocked and only those who pay the fare are allowed to pass. They expressed fear that this portends danger to road users because the persons engaging in this act have questionable characters and therefore cannot be trusted.
However, a member who does not wish to be mentioned stated that though a lot of persons may not be happy with the act, same provides for the needs of those making the collections since there are no jobs for the teeming youth population. He described the situation as some sort of empowerment with emphasis on the fact they do not apply force in the course of their engagement with motorcyclists. Those who give, give voluntarily.
“the current state of Igbe road has been making motorcyclists to use our streets as routes to take their passengers to their various destinations. We are not happy that Igbe road has gone bad but what we are doing here is to make ends meet. Besides, we maintain these roads that they now use as alternative routes and so we have seen it as an avenue to get something as appreciation from the okada riders with which we can take care of ourselves and our families. I can tell you that these bike men are grateful for our services here.” He said.
While speaking with an Okada man on the issue, it was gathered that the collection of fares on the alternative routes is not so much of a burden since those involved have not resorted to using force and there has been no incidence or report of any criminal activity committed by the boys.
“revenue collectors come out everyday using different names to collect taxes for both local and state government with almost nothing to show for it but we still pay or face the wrath of the government. These guys have taken it upon themselves to maintain the streets we now use since erosion destroyed Igbe road and collect as little as 20 Naira for their services. I really don’t see anything wrong with what they are doing at the moment.” He said.
It is hoped that work will commence on Igbe road soon in view of the fact that the rains have ended. Both shop owners, drivers, riders, road users are optimistic that the road when reconstructed will in no small measure boost economic/commercial activities in the area and save passengers the cost of going through longer journeys to get to their destinations.
_Jeremiah Enaholo Kadiri
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