Anti Tout Squad Arrests 64 Touts, One Chance Armed Robber In Onitsha
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
Twenty-four hours after Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State inaugurated Anti Touting squad, last Monday, at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, 64 touts and a one-chance armed rubber, were on Tuesday arrested in their illegal duty posts within Onitsha and its environs.
The touts according to the Director of Operations of the Anti Touting squad, Solomon Onwuemene, the touts who would be charged to court, were arrested at Upper Iweka, Bridge head and Chisco Motor Park.
The Director of Operations stated further that the body would not relent in her effort to rid the State of touts and other criminals that have made the State uncomfortable for the people especially travellers and other road users.
The Chairman of Onitsha Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Emeka Orji, had during the inauguration of the Anti Touting squad by Governor Soludo, disclosed that the council had been fighting touts in the area.
He added that with the commissioning, the council would set up a monitoring team to assist that inaugurated squad in fighting crimes and touting in Onitsha South and its environs.
He commended the Governor for the inauguration adding that with the inauguration there will be no hiding place for the touts and there sponsors who benefit at the expense of Innocent Nigerians.
The Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Hon Chikodi Anara, lamented that Onitsha and its environs have been subjected to torture which prompted the Governor to take this bold step of inaugurating the squad to flush them out.
“You know me that I don’t tolerate crimes and whoever that is caught should regret it because the Governor has come to better the welfare of the people. We will deal with the criminals unless they leave the State, he vowed
Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Hon. Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi (rtd), expressed optimism that the fight against touting would be fought to submission.
Among those present during the inauguration included the Director of Operations, Anambra State Vigilante Service, Hon. Chinenye Ihenkor Okpompi, council chairmen, Oyi, Onitsha North Local Government Areas and Hon. Fred Ezenwa, representing Onitsha South 1 constituency in the State House of Assembly.
