Breaking News: COVID-19- Anambra lawmaker raises alarm over extortion at border checkpoint

The member representing Awka-North constituency in Anambra State Assembly, Hon. John Okoye has adviced the state governor, Willie Obiano to order the immediate dismantling of the border check-point at Umuji village, Ebenebe community in his constituency alleging that the check-point was serving as an easy route for violators of the order against inter-state travels.

He told newsmen in Awka, that the check-point has rather become a cash-cow for those employed to man it, alleging that some commuters, especially commercial vehicle operators who exit or enter the state from the neighbouring Ezeagu area of Enugu State through the border check-point pay as much as N10,000 to compromise those manning the place.

Hon. Okoye expressed worry that the development had put the health of his constituents at serious risk of contracting the COVID-19 disease, adding that entry into the state by outsiders through the check-point might be responsible for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the state.

“I had wanted to raise the matter on the floor of the state House of Assembly to call on the state governor to dismantle that border check-point but have not been able to do so because we have not been sitting regularly since the Coronavirus pandemic broke out.

“Besides, that check-point at Umuji is not supposed to be there because that place is not a border area. The person who established it did so simply to use it for extortion. I was told that commercial vehicles, especially those conveying passengers to the northern part of the country pay as much as N10,000 before they are allowed to pass”, the lawmaker stated.

It was later recalled that Governor Obiano had immediately after the outbreak of coronavirus disease dispatched his aides to border communities in the state, urging them to liaise with youths to ensure that vehicles were not allowed in or out of the state.