Residents and motorists in parts of Abuja have raised the alarm over alleged extortion by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) task force operating around the busy Wuse Market.
Eyewitnesses said the officials arrived in the area on Monday morning and launched an enforcement operation. The situation quickly turned chaotic as drivers and residents accused them of demanding large sums of money.
Several drivers at the scene alleged that the officials asked bus operators to pay ₦100,000. They also reportedly demanded ₦150,000 from owners of Hilux vehicles to avoid having their vehicles impounded.
The incident triggered confusion and anger around. Many residents described the action as intimidation and outright extortion.
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A commercial bus driver who spoke anonymously said the officials created panic as they moved from one vehicle to another, demanding payments.
“They came suddenly and started asking drivers to pay ₦100,000 for buses. If you refuse, they threaten to seize your vehicle. Many people don’t even know what the money is for,” he said
Some traders and residents said the operation disrupted normal business activities in the area. Many drivers reportedly left the market in a hurry to avoid confrontation with the task force.
Another resident described the incident as “havoc on innocent residents.” He added that such actions worsen the economic hardship many people already face.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council has not issued an official statement on the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Residents are now calling on authorities in the Federal Capital Territory Administration to investigate the incident and ensure that enforcement operations follow due process.
