Motorists plying major roads in Kano have raised concerns over alleged extortion, incessant begging and abuse of power by officials of the Kano Road Traffic Agency, KAROTA.
KAROTA operatives mount roadblocks on roads in the state while some have taken over federal roads linking Kano and other states.
The KAROTA officials who wear yellow uniforms usually block the road with old tires with their officials standing by to harass and extort drivers.
Roads notoriously witnessing the activities of the KARATO, include Maiduguri, Hadejia, Gwarzo, Zaria and Katsina Roads, all linking Kano with other neighboring states.
Some of the Motorists who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity said they always have to hold cash to escape the embarrassment they might encounter with KAROTA officials.
“We are under serious financial extortion from KAROTA operatives who mount heavy roadblocks on major Roads collecting money from us for unknown reasons ‘.
When a team of media men visited the office of the Managing Director of KAROTA, Faisal Muhmud to verify the allegations, he refused to grant them an audience but a staff of the office who did want to be named said the MD was not happy with the media because they are always on him seeking an interview.
