Users of the Umudike-Ikot Ekpene Road in Abia State have lamented over what they described as an exploitative hike in transport fares by transporters who ply the route.
The passengers registered their grievances while speaking with our reporter.
According to them, the hike in transport fares is fast becoming unbearable, as people from Ikwuano Local Government Area can no longer come to Umuahia, the state capital, and other places without incurring financial difficulties.
The passengers further stated that it is normal for Nigerians to increase prices during festive periods but wondered why the price of transportation refused to come down even after Christmas and New Year celebrations.
They revealed that before the yuletide, transport from Isi Gate, Umuahia to Umudike was 600 naira for keke (tricycle), while a bus cost 500 naira.
Continuing, the road users disclosed that the price jumped to 800 and 1,000 naira during the celebrations and has remained the same, even with the reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (fuel).
The people stressed the financial challenges they face coming to Umuahia, the capital, especially those in remote areas of Ikwuano Local Government Council.
The aggrieved passengers viewed the act of exploitation by transporters as inhuman, insisting that no amount of fraudulent income can make one comfortable when they are not satisfied with the little in their possession.
They used the opportunity to call on the government to look into issues involving transportation in the state, as this, according to them, will help avert a breach of public peace in the New Year.
The people further requested that the State Ministry of Transport and its agencies and parastatals step up efforts to ensure that the right things are done in every sphere.
