Njaba L.G arrests “one way drivers” in Afor Umuaka.
2 min read
It is now no longer business as usual for commercial motorcycle operators, bus drivers “motorcycle boys” and private car owners who have formed the habit of driving against traffic along Orlu-Owerri Road in Afor Umuaka axis. Umuaka Times reporters who visited Afor Umuaka yesterday being July 1, 2023 saw some motorcycle owners who were arrested for driving against traffic. The Njaba Local Government empowered task force arrested both motorcycle and vehicle owners who violated the traffic rules and drove against traffic.
When Umuaka Times tried to inquire what really took place, a member of the task force who spoke to Umuaka Times reporters confirmed that “our duty here is to arrest those who drive ‘one way’ and take them to the local government office for more disciplinary actions.”
On further inquiries, he confirmed to Umuaka Times that their assignment also includes arresting those who engage in wrong parking by the road side. “All these are serious traffic offences that can lead to preventable motor accidents.”
From the findings made by Umuaka Times, several road accidents that have occurred along Orlu Owerri Road were caused by those who were driving against traffic. This act of driving against traffic especially at night and during Afor Day, has led to several deaths in the community.
Now that the Njaba Local Government has decided to stop the traffic menace, several offenders have so far been arrested and many more will still be arrested. Shortly before filing in this report, two motorcycle boys who were arrested by the task force had a heated argument with the task force members. According to the motorcycle boys, the task force members pushed them down while trying to arrest them and they sustained some injuries on their legs. The task force members denied pushing down the motorcycle boys but went further to disclose to Umuaka Times that the boys fell down on their own while trying to evade arrest.
Meanwhile several Akalites who have so far noticed the presence of the traffic task force have hailed the move and described it as worthy. It was also gathered that motorists who violate the traffic laws shall pay a penalty of N20,000 while those on motorcycle will pay N10,000 before they would get back their vehicles.
