The Ambulance and Hearse Operators Association of Nigeria (AHOAN) has seek the cooperation of government and security agencies to clampdown on those using these vehicles for illegal businesses.
Its National Coordinator, Comrade (Mrs) Caroline Iheanachor while briefing journalists at the association's Secretariat situated at 206, Ikorodu Road, Near NNPC Petro Station, Palm Groove B/Stop, Lagos State, said some operators are using ambulances and hearses vehicles for commercial transport , smuggling of contraband goods and ammunition across the states.
She explained that many of the operators have in the recent time been arrested by Nigeria security agencies for using the vehicles to smuggle rice, vegetable oil, Indian hemp and ammunitions.
She also condemned the habit of using taxi and other commercial vehicles to transport sick persons and dead bodies to hospital or burial grounds. This, she added contributed greatly in spreading diseases, especially this time that the whole world is battling to curb several deadly diseases.
Comrade Iheanachor, admonished everyone operating the business to register with the association and obtain Ambulance Permit and Clearance as the only solution to prevent illegal operations.
She disclosed that the national body of the association is battle ready with any operator that is not complying with the rules and regulations guiding the industry, saying anyone caught would definitely be made to face the wrath of law.
"Some ambulance drivers were fond of using body bag meant to carry dead bodies that is not yet ready for burial for smuggling rice, vegitable oil, Indian hemp and other contraband goods mostly on Eastern roads. Am appealing to Security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to rise up for the task of arresting whoever is driving these vehicles on the road without the association's approved permit."
She added that the association is planning to set up taskforce in every local governments across the 36 states to enforce the association's rules and anyone caught operating without the valid ambulance permit and clearance with the authorities' full signatures, stamp, and seal would be prosecuted.
She, therefore, appealed to government and security agencies to cooperate with the association's operation rules as another way of curbing criminality and as well preventing pandemic in the country.
Members are advised to call the National Coordinator, Comrade Iheanachor on 08136630415, 08180389019, 08178382012 or visit the aforementioned address for further inquiries.
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