Motorcycle operators popularly known as ‘Okada Riders’ have embarked on a peaceful protest interrupting movement of vehicles in the major town of Oghara, the administrative headquarters of Ethiope west local government area of Delta State
The aggrieved riders who said they were being oppressed by some of the Nigeria navy personnel in the area, stated that a Hausa commercial rider knocked down an Oghara man refusing taking responsibility.
They noted that the Hausa rider who was driving on the wrong lane and was not remorseful of what happened wanted to run away taking his bike with the assistant of his fellow Hausas which resulted in an argument between the Oghara riders and the Hausas.
According to them, a call was placed to the Naval staff by the Hausas and the Navy man who arrived at the scene did not ask to know what was wrong but decided to take sides with the Hausas by beating and taking away one of the riders who is an indigene .
Speaking to journalists, the Deputy Task Head, Delta state motorcycle and tricycle Operators, Ethiope West chapter, Comrade Kingsley Ufuoma said the protest was for their member who was adopted by the Navy to be released.
He thanked the Ethiope West local government council for a swift response in ensuring peace and order in the area, adding that their man has been released.
Kingsley encouraged all to live in peace as all they wanted was a society free of oppression asking all to live as one Nigerians.
Also speaking Christian Ufuoma, an Okada rider, said they were okay with the way the council chairman Hon Oghenedoro Owoso and his vice Hon Austin Atomre handled the issue, saying peace has returned to the area.
He stressed that the issue of tribalism and oppression by the naval personnel should be addressed by the relevant authorities.
Speaking to the vice chairman of the Ethiope West local government council, Hon Austin Atomre who with the efforts of the council chairman Hon Oghenedoro Owoso resolved the issue and restored sanity to the locality.
He noted that the area of oppression by some of the Navy personnel alleged by the people would be discussed at a security meeting.
He advised everyone to go about their normal activities urging them to maintain law and order.
