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By: Emmanuel Kanayo
Motorists and pedestrians plying St John/Car Wash Road along Ogbogoro in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have alleged that a local vigilante group is extorting money from road users in broad daylight.
The road, a busy link route in Obio/Akpor LGA, has reportedly become a collection point where members of the group stop vehicles and demand payment.
Several commuters who spoke on condition of anonymity said the practice has persisted for days. They allege the vigilantes operate close to Elioparanwo Police Station, with officers at the station allegedly observing without intervening.
“They stand at St John/Car Wash Road, Ogbogoro axis every day collecting money from cars, buses, and even keke. The police station is just there but nobody stops them,” one driver alleged.
Illegal tolls and “street levies” by non-state actors violate Rivers State laws and the Nigerian Constitution. The Rivers State Police Command has repeatedly warned against such practices and urged residents to report cases to the Police Complaint Response Unit or the nearest divisional headquarters.
Efforts to reach Elioparanwo Police Station and the Obio/Akpor LGA vigilante leadership for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
Residents are now calling on the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, and Obio/Akpor LGA authorities to investigate the allegations and restore free movement on St John/Car Wash Road.
