A commercial tricycle (Keke) operator in Awka was brutalized by vigilante operatives linked to Anambra State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Hon Chikodi Anarah.
According to the victim’s colleagues who protested in Awka, the tricyclist was thrashed viciously.
According to them, the security officers cracked his Keke’s windshield and pierced the tricycle’s tyres with gunshots.
In a popular video, the Keke driver described his ordeal, saying his offense was overtaking the truck carrying the commissioner in a tight turn due to an impending articulated vehicle.
The unnamed tricyclist said,
“I had to take the action to overtake the commissioner’s vehicle to avoid possible accident because of the incoming articulated vehicle in a very tight corner.
“I was surprised when the commissioner’s boys descended on me and rough handled and shot at my Keke.”
This is coming barely two months after security operatives attached to another of Soludo’s aides, Ossy Onuko, who is the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, beat up a GUO Motors driver, who was coming from Lagos, for overtaking their convoy.
One of the protesters, Sunday Okagu, said, “The action of the vigilante operatives was an unwarranted and unprovoked aggression.
“We call on the Anambra State Government to ensure that the only release guns and ammunition to people who are mentally capable of handling such and not to trigger-happy youths who did not have any form of professional training.”
Another protester, who refused to disclose his name, added, “Vigilante operatives attached to Igba ka Igba Amanuke (the commissioner) usually behaved like cultists on rampage.
“This man did not do anything to warrant the kind of beating they have given to him.”