Tiko Taxi Drivers Protest Harsh Treatment by Colonial Soldiers, Demand Immediate Action
By Mbah Godlove
Taxi drivers in the Tiko local government area of Fako County have voiced their frustration over continued mistreatment by colonial soldiers, a situation that has worsened during the ongoing war of independence. Though drivers have faced poor treatment for years, the latest round of inhumane actions has prompted them to call for urgent intervention before the situation spirals out of control.
The first week of the national lockdown, which ended last Friday, saw many drivers forced to operate their taxis under the orders of the colonial regime, while most others chose to defy the directive. By Saturday, colonial forces established a special control post in Tiko aimed at punishing drivers. According to the drivers, some had their vehicle documents confiscated, while others had their taxi keys seized by regime soldiers, escalating tensions between the two groups.
“We cannot continue to live under such cruel conditions in our own land. Something must be done, and fast,” said one outraged driver, reflecting the widespread anger among the drivers in the region.
For many, providing for their families has become increasingly difficult due to the frequent fines and levies imposed by colonial soldiers. The recent crackdown has only deepened their economic struggles, with many now finding it nearly impossible to make ends meet. The drivers are demanding an end to what they see as exploitative behavior by the soldiers and are calling for immediate action to address the issue.
As the second week of the lockdown began on Monday, with Tiko and other localities across Ambazonia observing a complete shutdown, the situation for the drivers has become even more dire. They have warned that if the mistreatment continues, they will take their grievances to a new level of protest against the colonial forces.
With tensions running high, the drivers hope that authorities will listen to their pleas before the situation escalates further. Their demands for fair treatment and an end to exploitation are growing louder, as the lockdown exacerbates the already strained relationship between the local population and the colonial regime.
