Delta State taskforce operatives on the ban of late-hour operations of tricycles and motorcycles in Asaba, the State capital has reportedly clashed with Hausa motorcycle operators resulting in the death of two persons on Sunday night.
Miffed with the death of two of their kinsmen, the Hausa motorcycle and tricycle operators stormed the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, (COMTOA) Secretariat, destroying whatever at sight.
It was learnt that properties worth millions were destroyed in the rampage that engulfed the State capital on Monday March 18th 2024.
According to report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright, said the protest was against the state taskforce in Asaba, the state capital.
In a post on X, Edafe said, “They are policemen deployed to quell an ongoing protest against one of the State taskforce in Asaba pls.”
In another post, he said, “There was a violent protest this morning by Okada riders who had an issue last night with the state taskforce that led to the death of two persons. They mobilized in their numbers this morning, destroying properties and beating people, hence our men were deployed to control the situation before it turns to something else.”
But in a press statement issued later in the day, the image maker said: “CP Abaniwonda reaffirms the command’s commitment to ensuring that the State is peaceful.
“Today, 18th March 2024, a group of motorcycle (Okada) riders embarked on a violent protest within the Asaba metropolis, over their perceived maltreatment by members of the State Taskforce who enforces the ban on late-hour operations of tricycles and motorcycles in Asaba, at about 0800hrs.
“The protesters stormed the taskforce office along Sunmit road, ransacked and destroyed vehicles and offices.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Department of Operations, ACP Efeizomor George, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, led teams of operatives to restore peace and further put a halt to the rancorous demonstration within the metropolis.
“To that effect, the team of police officers successfully carried out a raid of recalcitrant motorcycle riders who were embarking on this violent and destructive protest in Asaba Metropolis, Eight (8) male suspects were arrested, and Fifty-Three (53) motorcycles were impounded.
“CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reiterates the negative impact of violent protests on the economic growth of the State and therefore appeals to the public to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring that the police command has the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and properties, hence creating a safer and more equitable society for Deltans”.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, Monday, called for calm over protests by Okada and tricycle riders in the state capital.
Ukah in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba, after inspecting the scene of destruction in company of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu and Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko condemned the action of the protesters for the wanton destruction and vandalisation of property at the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA Secretariat.
He said the Capital Territory Development Agency was in touch with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the leadership of Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA, and representatives of the Arewa community with a view to resolving issues that led to the Monday’s rampage.
While appealing to residents of the capital territory for patience and cooperation, Ukah noted that Delta was known for communal living and warned that the State Government would deal decisively with anyone found to be disobeying laws of the land.
He therefore called for calm while Government deals with the issues that led to the rampage.
