Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Commercial bus and taxi drivers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have raised serious concerns over alleged harassment, intimidation, and extortion by touts operating around major transport hubs, particularly at Rumuola Junction and Eleme Junction, where they say the situation has become increasingly unbearable.
The drivers, under the umbrella of the Commercial Drivers Welfare Association in Rivers State, described their daily experiences as marked by repeated assaults and illegal levies imposed by individuals they claim operate outside official regulatory structures. According to the association’s chairman, Christopher Ezeali, the level of intimidation faced by drivers at Rumuola Junction has deteriorated to what he described as worse than conditions in Sambisa Forest, a phrase that reflects the severity of the situation as perceived by transport operators.
Ezeali alleged that drivers are routinely stopped by touts who demand multiple unofficial payments before they are allowed to pick up or drop off passengers. He claimed that refusal to comply often results in harassment, physical confrontation, or disruption of business activities, creating a climate of fear among transport workers operating in the area.
He further alleged that some security operatives stationed around the junctions may be complicit in the activities, either by turning a blind eye or failing to intervene effectively. These claims, however, remain allegations and have not been independently verified by authorities at the time of reporting.
According to him, the situation has not only affected drivers but also commuters, who are sometimes caught in the middle of clashes between touts and transport operators. In some cases, passengers reportedly face harassment, delays, and even robbery incidents during chaotic confrontations, further heightening concerns about safety in the affected areas.
Rumuola Junction, one of the busiest transport corridors in Port Harcourt, serves as a key link for intra-city movement and connects several major routes within the city. Its heavy traffic flow has made it a strategic location for both formal and informal transport activities, but also a hotspot for disputes over revenue collection and control of loading points.
The drivers’ association has called on the Rivers State Government to urgently intervene by introducing a unified ticketing system that would standardize transport levies and eliminate multiple taxation by unauthorized groups. They argue that such a system would reduce human interference in revenue collection and help curb the activities of touts who exploit the absence of clear enforcement mechanisms.
Ezeali emphasized that the lack of a structured system has created room for exploitation, allowing different groups to impose arbitrary fees on drivers, often without accountability. He added that the continued situation threatens the livelihoods of transport operators who depend on daily earnings to sustain their families.
Transport unions and stakeholders in the state have in the past raised similar concerns about extortion and disorder in motor parks and major junctions across Port Harcourt. While government interventions have occasionally been announced, drivers say enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing the problem to persist.
Security presence in some of these locations has not fully resolved the tensions, as informal revenue collectors and touts reportedly continue to operate in spite of periodic crackdowns. This has contributed to a cycle of confrontation, temporary calm, and resurgence of the same issues.
The allegations of security personnel involvement, if substantiated, could raise further questions about oversight and accountability in the management of public transport spaces. However, authorities have not yet responded publicly to these specific claims.
Residents and commuters have also expressed concern over the situation, noting that transport disruptions and occasional violence at these junctions affect daily movement and increase the cost and difficulty of commuting within the city.
Calls for reform have therefore centered on the need for a transparent, government-regulated system that would clearly define who is authorized to collect transport fees and under what conditions. Stakeholders argue that such reforms would not only improve order but also reduce conflict and enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.
As pressure mounts on the state government to respond, attention is now focused on whether a unified transport management framework will be introduced to address the long-standing grievances of commercial drivers and restore order at key transport points in Port Harcourt.
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