Bauchi—As the country marks its 53rd anniversary, motorists going in and out of Bauchi State are now being made to undergo serious security checks, thus leading to traffic congestion in most parts of the metropolis.
Vanguard investigations revealed that most residents who travelled out of town for the independence anniversary public holiday were held in traffic along Wunti-dada road,Yelwa, Awala Junction, Gombe road as well as the Bauchi/Jos Road axis.
One of the travellers who spoke to Vanguard on the issue said that he was delayed for several hours in a bid to undergo such security checks.
However, police sources told Vanguard that the security measure was in line with the directive by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, that all efforts be put in place to ensure a crime free-celebration.
Apart from the security checks by the police, men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, were also seen at strategic points in the state capital, interrogating drivers who did not possess valid drivers’ license.
“I am on my way to Abuja to see my family because of the public holiday declared by the Federal Government. Our vehicle has been on this security check for more than one hour and it is delaying my journey. Only God knows the kind of security checks we will meet on our way.This will further delay the journey,” a resident who simply identified himself as Lamido said.
Residents using motorcycles popularly known as Okada were also stopped at the various checkpoints, and asked to push their bikes through the security check points