The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba to remove all checkpoints mounted in wrong locations across the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to investigate the loss of lives at a checkpoint at Ihiala along the Owerri- Onitsha highway in Imo State on Saturday.
Mr Ifeanyi Momah, a member from Imo State while presenting the motion stated that the roadblock is located in the middle of the busiest road in the area, causing accidents and loss of lives of more than 41 people.
The checkpoint, according to him, being on a major express road as well as a commercial hub crammed with markets, businesses, schools, has a negative impact on the community, as well as all the road users.
Mr Momah said “On Saturday the 30th day of May 2020, a police make shift road blockage was the cause of a fatal accident at Ihiala which led to the death ofa trailer driver and his conductor as well as over ten bus passengers.”
“On Thursday the 4° day of November 2021 at about 15:50hours an.accident involving three (3) vehicles on the Onitsha — Owerri Ihiala Road claimed the lives of three (3) children and Six (6) Adults according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the driver upon sighting the Police checkpoint, tried to apply brake but couldn’t, thus resulting in the fatal accident (according to eye witness).
“On Saturday the 28!” day of November 2021 a trailer carrying a container load of goods ran over twenty (20) public road users who died on the spot.”
The lawmaker, added that the town leaders have also appealed for the relocation of the checkpoint because of the hazards.
Adopting the motion, the House resolved to mandate the IGP to direct the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State to review the location of the police check point to forestall future occurrence, especially during the festive season as well as mandated the House Committee on Police Affairs and legislative compliance to ensure compliance.
