CRC Bori-Zone Leads Protest Against Illegal Roadblocks and Extortion on Saakpenwa Axis

Illegal Roadblocks and Extortion on Saakpenwa Axis of the East-West Road

In line with our core mandate to checkmate human rights violations and defend the dignity of the Nigerian people, the Civil Rights Council (CRC) Bori-Zone, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, embarked on a peaceful protest to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Command at Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area. The protest was a response to recurring illegal roadblocks and extortion of motorists by security operatives along the Bori-Saakpenwa axis of the East-West Road.

The peaceful demonstration culminated in the official delivery of a letter of complaint by the CRC Bori-Zone Team Lead, Comrade Nkpordee Basil, to the Second-in-Command (2i/c) of the FRSC, Saakpenwa Unit. The letter detailed the persistent harassment and extortion motorists have endured at the hands of some FRSC officers, police personnel from the Tai Police Division, and members of the Tai Community Police.

Receiving the letter on behalf of the command, the 2i/c FRSC acknowledged the concern and promised to forward CRC’s demands to the Command hierarchy for urgent attention. He noted that while the presence of the FRSC in the area is primarily for traffic control, much of the roadblock activities along the Saakpenwa junction were allegedly being carried out by officers of the Tai Police Division in collaboration with the Community Police.

The Civil Rights Council urged the FRSC to take immediate action to investigate and curb the activities of officers involved in extortion and to ensure that all personnel strictly adhere to professional conduct and road safety regulations.

Following the protest to the FRSC, the CRC delegation proceeded to the Bori Area Command, in response to an invitation for a brief meeting. This meeting followed an earlier complaint submitted by CRC on March 21, 2025, regarding reported cases of extortion by police officers in Kpor (Gokana LGA), Tai (Tai LGA), and Khana (Khana LGA).

During the meeting, CSP Ofonime Udoh, 2i/c Bori Area Command, welcomed the CRC team and expressed the command’s willingness to work with the Council to address the issues raised. He assured the team that a dialogue meeting involving the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from Bori, Kpor, and Tai Divisions, alongside CRC representatives, would be convened soon to foster collaboration and address grievances.

Comrade Pretty Lekia, speaking during the meeting, drew the command’s attention to ongoing unlawful stop-and-search operations by officers along Kaa Road, where both men and women have been subjected to intrusive and humiliating searches. She called for an immediate end to such violations.

The Civil Rights Council reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement and collaboration with security agencies to prevent future rights violations and to promote a culture of accountability and mutual respect.

Speaking after the engagements, Elder (Comrade) Nkpordee Barisudor Basil emphasized that CRC’s action was not a one-off event. He noted that the Civil Rights Council in the region has consistently stood at the forefront of human rights advocacy. Over the years, CRC Bori-Zone has mediated in disputes, addressed cases of domestic violence, and grown its membership base as part of efforts to extend human rights awareness to every corner of the Niger Delta.

The Civil Rights Council continues to position itself as a bridge between the people and the institutions meant to protect them, advocating for justice, transparency, and the protection of human dignity.

#EndExtortion #ProtectHumanRights #CRCinAction #JusticeForAll