Tanker drivers protest over alleged extortion, harassment by NSCDC

There is palpable tension in Owerri, capital of Imo State as tanker drivers blocked the ever-busy Okigwe Road, from Owerri Correctional Service to IMSU junction preventing motorists from going in and out of the town over alleged harassment and extortion by officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The protesters accused the NSCDC officers of incessant arrest and illegal detention of genuine tankers drivers and their trucks on a daily basis.

One of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the march is aimed at drawing government attention to extortion they go through on a daily basis.

The situation, especially around IMSU junction, is alarming as all vehicles stand still without movement.

Residents of the Heartland City have called on the State Governor, Sen Hope Uzodinma, to, as a matter of urgency, intervene before the situation gets out of hand.

The Public Relation Officer, PRO, Chimeziri Lowell, when contacted described the allegation as false.

He said it is not new for tanker drivers to make baseless allegations against the NSCDC.

He challenged the leadership of group to come forward with evidence of extortion against any NSCDC personnel

He said since Mr Michael Ogar, the NSCDC Commandant in Imo came onboard we have remained committed.

NSCDC, however, called on residents to help the command overcome the challenge of access to information by providing it with necessary information on the movement and activities of criminals.