…As police begin enforcement of govt order
A gang of touts, on Sunday, descended mercilessly on an unidentified tricycle rider for allegedly refusing to pay daily levy of N200 at the park where he operates in Awka, Anambra State.
The victim was said to have refused to part with the money in compliance with the order of Governor Chukwuma Soludo on revenue collection in the State.
Soludo had, during his inauguration on Thursday, banned all forms of touting and cash payment of taxes in the State.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Frank Akpan, said the touts, numbering three, accosted the tricyclist and requested him to pay them the usual N200 all tricyclists pay at the pit (park) before first loading.
He said: “The tricyclist had laughed and mocked them, asking them to go and look for something else to do, as touting had expired in Anambra State.
“But the touts insisted and told him they were not ready for such jokes, boasting to have survived similar policies during Obiano’s administration.”
He added that the angry touts forcefully pulled the tricyclist out of his vehicle and threw punches on his face, resulting in swollen cheeks and bleeding mouth.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command, CP Echeng Echeng, has ordered strict enforcement of the pronouncement by the State government on ban on touting and self-acclaimed revenue collectors in the State.
The CP through the Command spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu, enjoined the officers to ensure full compliance with the order, especially at motor parks and other designated places within the State.
“The CP also warns all unscrupulous elements that engage in touting and other unlawful acts to desist forthwith as the Police and other security agents have been deployed around the State to arrest and bring to justice anyone caught flouting this order.
“The CP, while reaffirming the commitment of the Command towards crime prevention, restoration of law and order, enjoins Ndi- Anambra and all residents of the State to be vigilant and security conscious at all times, and to report all suspicious movements to the Police.”