Detained Bafut drivers released

Four members of the Bafut Professional Drivers' Association have been released from detention, after being apprehended by the forces of Law and order from the Regional Unit of Public Highway and Circulation-NW; for unlawfully setting up a road safety control post, on the Bamenda-Bafut Highway.

The team of four was arrested and detained after the Regional Delegate of Transport for the North West, Mbehou Yaya said he was not aware of their operation on the Nso-Bafut stretch of road.

The released detainees, who are members of the Bafut Professional Drivers Association, were instructed by their syndicate to set up the control post in an attempt to stamp out overloading on the Bamenda-Bafut Highway, following numerous complaints from travelers.

After their arrest and detention, word spread amongst Taxi drivers of the said stretch of road who immediately decided to block the road with their cars demanding the release of their brothers. The holdup lasted for over an hour, time after which the Association’s President; Peter Cho came defending the detainees saying they are members of the Association and have been carrying out the road safety control post at the Mile 11 Nsoh-Bafut road for some days, under directions from their syndicate, in a bid to deter drivers from overloading and risking the lives of passengers.

The Regional Delegate of Transport for the NWR, Mbehou Yaya on his part says he did not authorize any team to carry out any road safety campaign and hence was not aware of their presence at the Mile 11, Nsoh-Bafut road. He however appreciated the Association’s initiative but pointed out that they were not working within the ambit of the law. After schooling President Peter Cho and some members of the Bafut Professional Drivers Association on the dos and don’ts of a road safety campaign, especially in this era of Boko Harram; Mbehou Yaya then instructed that they should STOP any control on the Bafut-Bamenda Highway.

He added that he will convene workshops in the days ahead to educate stake holders in the transport sector about such illegal practices.

The Senior Superintendent of Police at the Regional Unit of Public Highway and Circulation-NW, Lifanje Lionga , then released the 4detainess and stressed that they will always work in synergy with the Regional Delegation of Transport to fight any abusive use of the Highway in Bamenda.