Tricycle operators popularly known as keke in Anambra State have been warned to ward off criminal elements that disguise as Keke riders to carry out their nefarious activities in the state.
The directive was contained in an address presented by the state chairman of Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, (TOAN) in Anambra state, Comrade Sylvester Obiora during a meeting of unit and sector heads organized by the group over the weekend in Awka.
Addressing the members, Mr. Obiora lamented the growing complaints from ndi Anambra and residents over fake keke operators using tricycles to rob victims of their belongings.
He noted that TOAN Anambra state will not hesitate to hand over any Keke operator or impersonator found wanting to security agents for prosecution.
Mr. Obiora explained that tricycle riders are not cultists or criminals as some assume rather Some of them are graduates who were not lucky with office jobs after school. Again, Obiora affirmed There are reports of snatching of mobile phones and bags by some hoodlums who use Keke in recent times to carry out their evil plans, then reiterated that Whoever uses keke as a means of criminal venture will regret his/her actions as they have concluded plans to partner the ministry of Transport on training and workshops for mass enlightenment campaigns for operators across the three senatorial zones in the state in other to filter the criminal elements among them.
Also reacting to this development, the Commissioner for Transport in Anambra State, Hon. Afam Mbanefo has condemned the activities of miscreants who infiltrate Keke operators to cause hardship to the citizenry and noted that the Government is doing something to arrest the situation.
Mbanefo also pointed out that the spike in hand bag snatching is not unconnected to the recent civil unrest occasioned by EndSARS protesters which unfortunately was hijacked by hoodlums but opinied that Anambra being the safest state in the country has retooled its security architecture to arrest criminals or chase them away from the state. He then warned Keke riders not to serve as willing tools in the hands of the criminals.
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