ASABA/Nigeria: Amid escalating tensions in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, Chief Patrick Ukah, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, urged for restraint in the face of protests by Okada and tricycle riders. The protests, marked by violence and destruction, erupted over perceived mistreatment by members of the State Taskforce enforcing bans on late-hour operations.
In a statement released to the press in Asaba, Ukah, accompanied by Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, and Mr. Reginald Bayoko, Head of Service, condemned the wanton destruction and vandalization of property at the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) Secretariat.
Efforts to defuse tensions are underway, with the Capital Territory Development Agency engaging with relevant stakeholders, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, COMTOA leadership, and representatives of the Arewa community.
Ukah appealed for patience and cooperation from residents, emphasizing Delta’s tradition of communal living. He warned of decisive government action against those violating the law.
The protests, which flared on Monday, March 18, saw chaos grip Asaba’s streets as Okada and Keke riders, reportedly affiliated with the Arewa union, clashed with authorities and targeted COMTOA offices. Videos circulated on social media depicting road blockades and police intervention.
According to eyewitness accounts, the protesters, alleging discrimination and seeking autonomy from state oversight, resorted to violence, causing disruptions and damage across the city. Chief Uchenna Okafor, Director General of COMTOA, described the assailants’ actions as an attempt to evade government regulations and revenue obligations.
In response, the Delta State Police Command, led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, moved swiftly to quell the unrest. Eight suspects were apprehended, and fifty-three motorcycles were impounded during police operations.
CP Abaniwonda emphasized the importance of maintaining peace for the state’s economic prosperity, urging citizens to abide by the law. He assured the public of the police command’s commitment to ensuring safety and security.
Meanwhile, investigations into the root causes of the protests are ongoing, with authorities working to address grievances and restore order in the capital territory. As tensions remain high, the call for calm resonates as authorities seek to resolve the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
