www.odogwublog.com reports that Bus Drivers and Welfare Association, Anambra state chapter has begged the Nigeria Police to protect them and their business from touts and illegal toll collectors in the state.

The leadership of the association made the request when they visited Mr Garba Umar, Commissioner of Police at the Command Headquarters, Amawbia, in Awka South Local Government Area on Wednesday.

In a address read by Mr Obinna Anisiobi, chairman of the association, the bus  drivers and owners said were passing through all forms of fear, intimidation and molestation by hoodlums who disguise as motor park managers.

"We request your support to enable us operate as a corporate body, it will no doubt help us to operate effectively without fear of intimidation and molestation by people who feel that road transport business in Anambra is their private property.

"We want you to liaise with our leadership before any arrest of our members is carried out by rival associations who may write frivolous petitions in order to frustrate us from operating in the state.

The group expressed the hope that the working relationship between the Police and their association would be sustained in the interest of all stakeholders in the state.

The Anambra state Commissioner of Police in his reaction, lauded the association for their high level of organisation and promised to work harmoniously and progressively with them.

He tasked the commuter bus operators to provide information on criminal activities in the park and on the roads to enable the police fight crime more effectively.

The CP assured them of the protection of the police provided the operate within the law and encouraged them to feel free to reach him in times of need.