A unit of the Special Anti-Robber Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police and men of the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) Monday, caused traffic obstruction for several hours along major routes in Calabar as well as harassing and extorting several motorists for driving ‘off colour’ taxis.
The unit which was in a vehicle marked “Zonal SARS Patrol Team B” with “PF 3015 CR” first stationed along IBB way close to the Big Qua shopping mall aiding CTRA staff to stop vehicles suspected to be commercial ones not using the state’s Blue and White colours.
Some of the alleged defaulting drivers caused a stir, stopping in the middle of the road with CTRA staff struggling their keys with them, a recurring theme throughout the duration of the operation with the attending traffic jam, several were stranded with this reporter forced to trek from the Stadium down to Rabana roundabout.
A bystander reacting to the scenario where motorists were stopped, said their keys seized and after ‘settlement’ allowed to go…”this is like a movie where you pause, rewind and play again. I have stood here for almost an hour and no vehicle has been impounded despite several been stopped”.
There were also minor altercations between CTRA staff and some drivers with the SARS operatives a few times corking their guns when an alleged defaulter is becoming a headache to the CTRA staff.
The duo later left and pitched tent along the Effio Ette roundabout axis of MCC road with unconfirmed information suggesting same happened in several other locations with no vehicle impounded.
A visit to CTRA’s office at 101 Marian road besides JAMB office by CrossRiverWatch suggests no vehicle may have been impounded as the office premises was devoid of what may seem an impounded vehicle.
A source at the Works Ministry park says he is unaware of CTRA bringing in an impounded vehicle.