And the police check-points return

Many atrocities committed at check-points are  still fresh in our memories and only an infinitesimally small percentage will forget in a hurry how notorious the check-points have been. So-called accidental discharge, avoidable accidents, unnecessary time wastage and forceful collections of ‘money for the boys’! Should I go on?Indeed, daily collection of ‘kola’ is carried out […]

Many atrocities committed at check-points are  still fresh in our memories and only an infinitesimally small percentage will forget in a hurry how notorious the check-points have been. So-called accidental discharge, avoidable accidents, unnecessary time wastage and forceful collections of ‘money for the boys’! Should I go on?
Indeed, daily collection of ‘kola’ is carried out openly without shame. So, realizing how these check-points practically became a source of embarrassment and nuisance to the nation, might be the sole reason why former police boss M.D. Abubakar made up his mind to do away with them.
Take for example, Kano to Zaria road where we now have more than 7 check-points along the road. A journey that used to take one and half hours now takes a minimum of two and a half as a result.
It also remains true, whether the new police boss Mr. Suleiman Abba is aware of this unfortunate developments or not, that the generality of the populace are yearning for a an abolishment of most of the check-points. Let those that sprang-up moments after the new Inspector-General assumed office be dismantled.
The nuisance value of police check-points far outweighs their benefit, if any. The fact that the key to crime-busting and practical solution to the insecurity problem bedevilling the country still remains intelligence-gathering, not virtual extortion centres projecting a negative image of the police force.
Kabiru Tsakuwa ([email protected])