THE Delta State Government has warned that it would deal decisively with individuals or groups found disobeying the laws of the land.
This followed a protest by commercial motorcyclists in Asaba on Monday, March 18.
In a related development, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that the state remained peaceful.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesman, Mr. Bright Edafe: “On Monday, March 18, about 8am, a group of motorcycle (okada) riders embarked on a violent protest within the Asaba metropolis over their perceived maltreatment by members of the state task force, who enforces the ban on late-hour operations of tricycles and motorcycles in Asaba.
“The protesters stormed the task force office along Summit Road, ransacked and destroyed vehicles and offices.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Department of Operations, George Efeizomor, 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 the metropolis.”
Edafe disclosed that eight male suspects were arrested and 53 motorcycles impounded.
He said the CP reiterated the negative impact of violent protests on the economic growth of the state and appealed to the public to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring that the Command has the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
Videos of the violent protest went viral on social media showing okada riders protesting around Midwifery axis on Okpanam Road, with policemen firing in the direction of the protesters. But no life was lost, except for the destruction of properties by the protesters.
Edafe later clarified that the okada riders “had an issue last night with the state task force,” which led to the death of two persons.
Following the protest, the Director General of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, in a statement issued in Asaba, warned against disobedience of the laws of the land.
Ukah, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, and Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko, condemned the action after assessing the level of damage, including vandalised property at the state secretariat of Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) in Asaba.
He said the agency was liaising with the office of the SSG, leadership of COMTOA and representatives of the Arewa community in the state to resolve issues that led to the protest, calling for residents’ patience and cooperation, even as he reminded them that Delta State was known for communal living.
He warned that the state government would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found to be disobeying the laws of the land.
The protest followed alleged disagreement over ticketing between the Arewa commercial cyclists and COMTOA, the body recognised by the state government and charged with the regulation and ticketing of commercial cyclists in the state.
