BY GRACE NNA# Since the Imo State Government banned the operations of Keke operators in the state capital, Owerri, residents of the city have lamented over the indiscriminate influx of unauthorized taxi cabs.
The officially approved cabs are painted in yellow and black stripes. But since the ban on Keke was enforced, all manner of vehicles including those considered not to be road worthy have flooded Owerri streets.
Fears have been expressed by some concerned citizens on the dangers of cabs that do bear the official colours.
Mr. Kennedy Igwe, a commuter told our reporter that such cabs could lead to rise in criminal activities in the state such as kidnapping and armed robbbery. “ Sometimes people can be desperate to catch up with taxis and because they are so desperate and in a hurry to get to their destinations, they can unknowingly hop into any vehicle that can pose as a cab” “ The State government should address this issue by bringing more cabs with official colours to enable commuters know the authentic taxis” he said.
The ban on Keke has restored sanity on Owerri roads but the number of taxis made available to ease the stress of the ban has not been effective. Since the ban, all sorts of vehicles and Buses have been on the road raising security concerns.
