Delta NUJ decries multiple police road blocks, cautions against harassment of Journalists

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council on Thursday raised the alarm over the return of roadblocks mounted across the State, Particularly in Benin Warri expressway, Benin Asaba expressway and Ughelli Asaba expressway by officers of the Nigeria Police force.

The Union in a statement jointly signed by the chairman Michael Ikechukwu and the Secretary Churchill Oyowe on Thursday called on the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu to clarify if Delta State is exempted from the ban on roadblocks on Nigerian highways.

While noting that the Situation Showcased the state as unsafe to visitors and would be investors, the NUJ leaders added that the roadblocks portend instrument of extortion and harassment hence the practice has subjected the poor masses plying roads in the State to untold hardship, Intimidation, unwarranted delays and unlawful arrest.

Part of the Statement reads:” We are at a crossroad as to whether Delta State is exempted from the ban on roadblocks, we cannot see why the police personnel under Delta command will flagrantly flout the order of the IGP pretending to be staging nipping points for routine checks whereas what we see on ground is full blown roadblocks, disrupting smooth flow of traffic, intimidation, extortion and unwarranted arrests”.