Commercial tricycle (Keke) riders operating along the Woji–YKC–Artillery route in Port Harcourt Local Government Area today took to the streets to protest, causing many commuters to trek long distances as the tricycle operators suspended operations. The riders accused their former union chairman, identified as Mr Bright Eke, of alleged extortion and illegal seizure of their tricycles.
The demonstration, which surged tensions among residents of the area, paralysed movement along the route, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and caused heavy traffic congestion. One of the riders, Godwin, said the action became necessary following continuous harassment, unlawful levies, and the confiscation of their tricycles by individuals claiming to represent the union.
According to him, the former chairman allegedly demanded as much as ₦20,000 from each rider and imposed unauthorised restrictions on parking and loading areas. “We are not against paying government dues,” Godwin said. “But this man keeps collecting illegal money from us, and if you don’t pay, they arrest you and seize your Keke. We have families to feed, we buy tickets, and we buy fuel daily — it’s becoming unbearable.”
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Another protester, Chima, appealed to the Port Harcourt Local Government Council and the Rivers State Government to intervene urgently to protect their means of livelihood and restore peace. “Our members are law-abiding,” he said. “We only want fairness. Let the government hear us and stop this oppression.”
In response to the unrest, the Board of Trustees (B.O.T) Chairman of the Woji Keke Riders Association, Eze Mgba, who also identified himself as the founder of Keke operations on the route, urged the protesters to maintain peace while pressing their demands. Eze Mgba confirmed that the protest was triggered by Bright Eke’s actions, including the alleged ₦15,000 levy per tricycle and the creation of unauthorised parking zones.
“I told them not to be violent,” he said. “If they must protest, let it be peaceful and directed to the proper authorities. Bright Eke should leave Woji Road and stop creating problems for the riders.” He called on relevant authorities to urgently wade into the matter, to avoid escalation.
