A civil society organization, the Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Saturday protested alleged extortion and dehumanizing treatments against commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators in Warri
and its environs.

The protest was led by Mr. Godwin Ogboru and Mr. Precious Omare, during the monthly human rights clinic organized by the CENTREP at Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mr. Ogboru claimed that the soldiers at Army Check point in Mofor, Okuokoko and Warri normally ordered commercial motorcycle operators, with their passengers to come down, trek a long distance, before continuing their journey.


Mr. Ogboru described the acts by the soldiers as “injustice”, wondering if the Chief of Army Staff gave any order to that effect.

Mr. Precious Omare, who also spoke also claimed that the soldiers at the Ekpan Community Army Check point allegedly collected N50 from commercial tricycle operators once it was 7pm every evening.

Mr. Omare noted that the illegal collection by the soldiers had forced many of the tricycle operators to stop plying the route, thereby making it impossible for residents in the area to arrive their destinations on time.

According to him, “If you pay anything below N50, you will do frog jump because the soldiers will not take it.”


The Public Relations Officer of Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun, Capt. Olaleye did not pick calls put across to his mobile? phone line for comments on the matter.