February 01, (THEWILL) – Motorists plying major roads in Kano State have accused officials of the Kano Roads Traffic Agency (KAROTA) of extortion, describing the situation as worrisome.
The concerned motorists alleged that the KAROTA operatives are mounting roadblocks, particularly on Trunk A roads linking Kano with other states of the federation.
The motorists, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity in Kano, on Wednesday, listed the affected roads to include Maiduguri, Hadejia, Gwarzo, Katsina and Zaria, where the KAROTA men, they alleged, mount checkpoints to stop vehicle owners and extort them.
“That is why we make sure that we keep some change of lower Naira denominations before hitting the roads so as to save ourselves the embarrassment of the KAROTA personnel.
“Some of them literally beg you for money, especially if they notice that you are driving a flashy car with an intent to allow you to jump the traffic rule,” a concerned motorist said.
The motorists, most of whom drive commercial vehicles such as cars, tricycles and buses, lamented that the operators’ action was disrupting the free flow of traffic.
They also observed that the trend is scaring away commercial vehicles transporting passengers who are on business missions to the state, thereby undermining revenue generation in the area.
Efforts to reach the Managing Director of the Agency, Engr. Faisal Muhmud, proved abortive, as his aide told newsmen he was not ready to attend to Their enquiries.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
