The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has expressed concern over what it described as an increasing influx of criminal elements posing as tricycle and motorcycle operators in parts of the state.

The council made its position known in a communiqué issued after its monthly congress in Umuahia, where it strongly condemned criminal activities allegedly being carried out by individuals pretending to be legitimate transport operators.

The communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the Abia NUJ, Chidi Asonye, and the State Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu, noted that the activities of these individuals are posing serious security challenges and putting the lives of passengers at risk, particularly during night-time travel.

According to the council, the situation requires urgent attention to prevent further threats to public safety.

To address the problem, the journalists called on the Abia State Ministry of Transport to work closely with tricycle and motorcycle unions across the state to regulate their operations and establish a profiling system for members.

The council also urged traditional rulers, presidents-general, and town union leaders in autonomous communities to strengthen local security measures and monitor their communities more effectively.

“In view of rising insecurity in Nigeria and the need to be proactive in protecting our communities, congress calls on traditional rulers of autonomous communities, presidents general and town union leaders to set up measures to monitor and comb their lands in order to ensure safety of farmers in their areas,” the communiqué stated.

While commending the efforts of the Abia State Government in tackling security challenges, the NUJ said more could be done to deepen community participation in security matters.

The council specifically recommended the organisation of security summits for traditional rulers and other community stakeholders to enhance awareness and encourage greater vigilance at the grassroots level.

It further called on the state government to recruit forest guards who would help patrol rural areas and forests, with the aim of flushing out criminal elements suspected to be hiding in bushes and remote locations across communities.