The Rivers State Ministry of Transport has taken a bold step in disbanding all task forces operating in the state, following a barrage of complaints from residents about harassment and extortion. This decision, announced by the Commissioner for Transport, Collins Onunwo, is a direct response to the growing concerns about the activities of these task forces.
The viral incident, which reportedly took place along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt, involved taskforce officials driving against traffic to reach a POS operator, where they allegedly coerced a woman into withdrawing ₦40,000. This video triggered outrage among residents, who have long complained about such abuses.
The Transport Commissioner, Collins Onunwo, has emphasized that the Rivers State Government will not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation of residents under the guise of task force operations. This stance is in line with the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens.
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However, some commenters have expressed skepticism about the government’s decision to disband the task forces. They argue that the same individuals will be reconstituted into the task force and that the government is simply paying lip service to the issue.
One commenter noted, “They are still going to reconstitute the same people into the task force. We’ve seen this over and over again.” Another commenter suggested that the state government should consider setting up a traffic management agency, employing trained and decent traffic personnel instead of the current task force.
The issue of harassment and extortion by task force officials is not new in Rivers State. Residents have long complained about the activities of these officials, who often use their positions to intimidate and extort money from motorists.
