Keke Operators Protest Carrier Ban, Alleged Taskforce Extortion in Ughelli

By Gabriel Awodeha

Tricycle operators in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday took to the streets to protest the state government’s directive on the removal of carriers from their tricycles, alleging that the policy and enforcement practices of taskforce personnel were threatening their livelihoods.

The protesters, who assembled at the Post Office Roundabout, marched to the Ughelli Area Command and Ughelli ‘A’ Division Police Station before proceeding to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Secretariat and the Ughelli branch secretariat of the Delta State Commercial Motorcycle and Keke Riders Association.

Displaying placards bearing messages such as “Keke is ₦8 million, how do we balance it?” and “Say no to oppression in Ughelli,” the operators called for government intervention and a review of the restrictions, citing the rising cost of living and vehicle maintenance.

The demonstration centred on the operators’ concerns that removing carriers would prevent them from transporting goods for customers, forcing residents to rely on more expensive vehicles for small consignments.

Addressing the protesters at the police area command, an officer appealed to them to remain peaceful and conduct the demonstration in an orderly manner.

One of the operators, Daniel, said the tricycle business had become a source of livelihood for many graduates who were unable to secure formal employment.

“Many of us are graduates who have no jobs. We use this Keke business to take care of our families and pay our children’s school fees. If the government helps us, we can manage ourselves and continue to provide for our families,” he said.

Another operator, Rev. Premier Odheza, urged the government to reconsider the directive, arguing that the prevailing economic hardship made it difficult for operators and their customers to cope with additional restrictions.

“We are not millionaires. How can somebody carry their goods? Are they going to hire truck to move little things like mattresses? The economy is not pleasant anymore, and everybody is struggling,” he said.

Other protesters, including Joseph Ogheneovo, Rebecca Orido and Obaro Erezimena, appealed to the authorities to consider the economic realities of tricycle operators and address their complaints.

They alleged that taskforce personnel subjected them to extortion, intimidation and other forms of harassment during enforcement, while also expressing concern over restrictions on the movement of goods and the charges imposed on operators.

The protesters later visited the Ughelli North Local Government Council Secretariat but were unable to meet the council chairman, as the premises were reportedly deserted.

They subsequently proceeded to the secretariat of their association, where they restated their demands for government intervention.

Addressing the protesters at the Ughelli branch secretariat of the Delta State Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Association, Vice Chairman of the Keke Owners and Operators Association, Ughelli North Branch, Blessing Otu, said the association had already begun efforts to engage the state government over the complaints raised by its members.

Otu explained that he was summoned by the State Intelligence Bureau after the protesters visited the police station, following which he addressed the operators at the local government secretariat.

“When they arrived, I addressed them and explained the situation. I told them I would get back to them after consulting with my boss in Asaba to solicit on their behalf,” he said.

According to him, the association had received complaints from members concerning alleged oppression, intimidation and restrictions on their operations, adding that it was pursuing the issues through consultations with the authorities and public awareness.

He appealed to the state government to find a workable solution to the challenges, stressing that many residents depended on tricycles for transportation within Ughelli North.

“We want to appeal to the government to intervene so that the restrictions on Keke operations in Ughelli North can be reviewed. Most of our members depend on Keke for their livelihood. We do not have enough alternative means of transportation here, and many people rely on Keke to move around,” Otu said.

The association leader also urged the protesters to avoid violence, confrontation and any action that could disrupt public order, insisting that dialogue remained necessary in resolving the dispute.

He said the association had directed its members to educate the public about the government’s directive rather than engage in activities that could create further tension.

“Many of our members do not listen to the radio, so we need to go out and educate them properly. That is what we told them yesterday, and we have repeated it today,” he said.

On the next steps, Otu disclosed that the association had asked the protesters to suspend further demonstrations pending consultations with its leadership in Asaba.

“We do not want the protest to continue. We have asked them to suspend the protest first so that we can meet with our boss in Asaba. We need peace; we do not want violence or any form of disorder,” he said.

The operators appealed to the relevant authorities to open discussions with their representatives and consider measures that would address their concerns while enabling them to continue their businesses.