The menace of touting in Port Harcourt
Driving through the streets of Port Harcourt has become a distressing ordeal, largely due to the unchecked rise of touting, which has now become a deeply entrenched practice.
Commercial drivers and motorists are the worst affected, as virtually every bus stop has been transformed into a so-called ‘pit’—a term used by the touts themselves. Each ‘pit’ is considered a separate kingdom or territory, controlled and overseen by a group of touts under the command of a leader. This leader, in turn, allegedly reports to a superior figure, often referred to as ‘Our Oga.’
This illicit enterprise, which has evolved into a well-organised syndicate, operates with the same precision as a drug cartel. Predictably, there is also a strong link between these touts and illicit substances, as many of them are frequently under the influence of drugs. A mere glance beneath the flyovers along Aba Road will confirm this, as these locations serve as their base—places where they reside, rest, and regroup before returning to their unlawful activities.
Operating with absolute impunity, these touts harass, intimidate, and assault defenceless drivers without fear of repercussions. There have been numerous instances where drivers have been brutally beaten and injured, yet no intervention has come from any quarter.
Even more disheartening is the complicity—or, at best, the indifference—of the police officers stationed to maintain order. Rather than curbing the excesses of these touts, these officers turn a blind eye to the assaults and instead focus on extorting commercial drivers for sums ranging from ¦ 100 to ¦ 200. This betrayal of duty only worsens the plight of motorists, who are already struggling under the weight of relentless harassment.
Touting has become an extremely lucrative venture in Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt. From Borokiri to Education Bus Stop, from Mile One through Mile Five, and all the way to Rumuokoro along Ikwerre Road, the story remains the same. The Aba–Port Harcourt Road, one of the state’s two major highways, is also heavily plagued by this scourge.
For commercial drivers, navigating through Port Harcourt—from Isaac Boro Park to Garrison Bus Stop, through Rumuola, Rumukwurushi, and up to Eleme Junction—feels like an unending battle. At every bus stop, they are compelled to pay over ¦ 200 just to ‘appease the gods’ of the touts. In essence, they are engaged in a daily war for survival.
Waterline Bus Stop is another hotspot where drivers experience immense hardship. A slight tap on the brakes at any bus stop will immediately summon a horde of touts, all demanding one levy or another. These unlawful fees are given various names—ranging from community tax, loading tax, pit tax, and bus stop tax to the infamous ‘marching ground’ fee—all in an attempt to justify the extortion.
The situation has now reached an alarming level. Drivers not only lose money but also parts of their vehicles, such as rubber door protectors meant to safeguard passengers from injury while boarding, side mirrors, and even passengers’ belongings stored in the boot.
Passengers themselves are not spared from the excesses of these ruthless touts. Reports suggest that many of them double as pickpockets, engaging in outright theft of bags, phones, and other personal possessions, particularly at night. The burning question remains: who are these criminals truly working for? Who are they accounting to, as they so boldly claim?
Perhaps the authorities in Rivers State—particularly the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd)—should take inspiration from the example set by the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti. Upon assuming office, Governor Otti took immediate action by ordering all touts off the roads of Abia State, warning that anyone caught would face arrest and prosecution.
The result? Touting in Abia State is now a thing of the past. If such a feat could be achieved in Abia, there is no reason it cannot be replicated in Rivers State. What is required is strong political will—something that can certainly be cultivated. The success in Abia serves as proof that this menace can be eradicated. It is not an impossible task; it is entirely achievable with the right level of determination and commitment.
We, therefore, urge the Sole Administrator to seize this opportunity and use his six-month tenure under emergency rule to rid Port Harcourt of all forms of touting and hooliganism. If he does so, history will remember him favourably.
Moreover, such decisive action would go a long way in dispelling the widely held belief that these touts operate under the protection of political godfathers who exploit them for electoral purposes and other illicit activities.
If you ask the people of Rivers State—particularly drivers and commuters—their response will be unanimous: they are fed up with the terror inflicted by these touts. It has often been said that evil thrives when good people do nothing to stop it. We refuse to believe that Rivers State will allow itself to be counted among those who fail to act. The time to take action is now!
