The protest staged by tricycle and motorcycle riders in Asaba and Okpanam areas of Delta State has turned deadly.
As of Tuesday morning, the death toll from the protest has reached four individuals. Among the casualties were the chairman of the Building Material Market in Okpanam and one of the motorcycle riders, reportedly struck by police stray bullets during Monday’s protest, who succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday.
The commercial motorcyclists initiated the protest on Monday, citing the alleged killing of their colleagues by the State Task Force on Sunday night as the reason for their demonstration.
The Task Force was enforcing a ban on late-hour operations of tricycles and motorcycles in the capital territory.The tragic news triggered further unrest, with traders from the building material market joining in to protest the death of their chairman, adding to the chaos.
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During the protest, commercial activities halted, shops shut down, and roads were deserted. Some tricycles and motorcycles were seized and set on fire.The Police Anti-Riot Squad was deployed to Okpanam town to restore order amidst the turmoil.
Chief Patrick Ukah, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, addressed the protesters, urging calm and calling for cooperation to resolve the issues that sparked the unrest.
While sympathizing with the affected parties, he condemned the destruction and vandalism of property at the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA, Secretariat during the protests.
Efforts are underway to engage with relevant stakeholders to address the underlying issues and prevent further escalation of tensions.Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspects and impounded 53 motorcycles in connection with the protests.
