Excessive Checkpoints on Onitsha-Enugu Road: A Call for Reform
Excessive Checkpoints on Onitsha-Enugu Road: A Call for Reform
Excessive Checkpoints on Onitsha-Enugu Road: A Call for Reform
The issue of excessive security checkpoints along the Onitsha-Enugu route has sparked widespread concern among commuters, community leaders, and lawmakers alike. Recently, Honorable Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, sponsored a motion in the National Assembly to address this pressing matter. He highlighted the significant challenges these checkpoints pose to residents, businesses, and travelers.
The road from Onitsha to Enugu, which spans approximately 105 kilometers, is dotted with an estimated 30 checkpoints. This density, while purportedly aimed at addressing security concerns, has proven counterproductive in several ways, ranging from delays and extortion to outright dehumanization of road users.
Challenges Posed by Excessive Checkpoints
In his motion, Hon. Amobi Ogah emphasized the multifaceted challenges these checkpoints create. “Imagine traveling a distance that should ordinarily take about two hours, only to spend the entire day due to unnecessary delays at these checkpoints,” he lamented.
The most glaring issues include:
1. Delays: Commuters often face significant disruptions to their schedules, with checkpoints extending travel times exponentially.
2. Extortion: Security personnel at these checkpoints are frequently accused of demanding bribes, further exacerbating the hardships faced by road users.
3. Dehumanization: Travelers, including pregnant women, the elderly, and children, are often forced to disembark from vehicles and walk long distances, even during inclement weather. This practice, particularly at military checkpoints, undermines the dignity of citizens.
Ineffectiveness of Checkpoints in Addressing Insecurity
Hon. Ogah questioned the effectiveness of these checkpoints in combating insecurity, pointing out that they often fail to deter criminal activities. “Despite the numerous checkpoints, the issue of unknown gunmen and other security threats persists. This suggests that the focus on extortion distracts security personnel from their primary responsibilities,” he observed.
He further argued that intelligence gathering, rather than static checkpoints, is the cornerstone of effective security management. “In advanced nations, security agencies rely on intelligence-driven operations. Personnel blend into communities as passengers, mechanics, or journalists to gather crucial information. This proactive approach is more effective than the current reliance on physical checkpoints,” he stated.
Impact on the Economy
The economic toll of excessive checkpoints cannot be overstated. Transport costs have skyrocketed as commercial drivers pass on the financial burden of extortion to passengers. This, coupled with increased travel times, hampers economic activities and adds to the already dire economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Proposed Solutions
Hon. Ogah advocated for the adoption of alternative security measures that balance safety with the convenience of road users. These include:
1. Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Investing in technology and training security personnel to operate undercover for intelligence purposes.
2. Technological Integration: Leveraging surveillance systems and AI tools to monitor and preempt security threats without inconveniencing citizens.
3. Capacity Building: Providing proper training for security personnel to ensure professionalism and reduce incidents of misuse of power.
A Plea for Change
Hon. Ogah’s motion is a clarion call for a shift in Nigeria’s security strategy. He passionately urged the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens by reducing the number of checkpoints and focusing on smarter, more effective security measures. “The role of government is not to dehumanize its citizens but to create systems that work for them,” he asserted.
As the debate continues, it is hoped that this motion will galvanize the relevant authorities to act swiftly, ensuring that security measures serve their intended purpose without causing unnecessary hardship. The people of Abia State, the Southeast, and the nation as a whole deserve nothing less.
