Owerri traders protest alleged extortion

Traders at Ekeukwu Owerri market in Imo State, on Wednesday protested against alleged extortion by those they described as fake government officials.

The protesters who besieged the entrance to Government House, Owerri were however prevented by security personnel from getting access to meet with Gov. Rochas Okorocha.

Chief Jude Obiano, who led the traders said they would no longer condone what he termed as “daily extortion by those claiming to be government officials”.

Obiano warned that the traders might be forced to “confront the extortionists publicly, if government does not stop them.”

According to him, the officials are claiming to represent the ENTRACO and a government special task force.

He said the traders were made to pay N500 daily for sanitation and N1,000 for market maintenance.

Obiano believes that the charges were illegal, and called for the immediate arrest of those involved.

“We are very sure that government is not aware of those who claim to be its agents.

“We want government to act fast because if this continues, we will be left with no other option than to confront the touts,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the Media aide to Gov. Rochas Okorocha, Mr Sam Owuemeogo, told NAN that the government had not authorised the collection.

He described the action as illegal and those involved as imposters.

Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joy Elemoko, told NAN that the command was investigating the allegations.

She, however, reminded the public on the ban placed on unauthorised processions in the state, and urged them to respect the order in the interest of peace.