By Ndisika Wisdom
UGHELLI/Nigeria: Ughelli witnessed a violent confrontation on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Otowodo Junction as a group of men, identified by locals as “Okowa’s police,” name given to officers and men of the Delta State Traffic Management Authourity, DESTMA clashed with bike riders and marketers.
The altercation reportedly began when a bike rider refused to comply with the group’s request to stop for a check, leading to an aggressive attempt by the uniformed men to stop the moving bike.
violent confrontation between residents of Ughelli, at Otowodo Junction and Men of Delta State Traffic Management Authourity, DESTMA, Known as Okowa Police
In the ensuing struggle, the rider lost control and fell, causing injuries to both himself and his passenger, while their phones were smashed beyond repair. Angered by the incident, the rider and passenger retaliated, leading to a full-blown fight between the bike men and the group of uniformed men. The situation quickly escalated as other bike riders and nearby marketers joined the fray.
Clinton Oghenero, a witness at the scene, described the men as wearing navy blue shirts and black trousers, identifying them as “Okowa’s men.” He stated that they were neither official police officers nor members of the road safety corps and lacked the legal authority to stop or check vehicles.
Oghenero also emphasized that while these men are loyalists of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and continue to operate under the current administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, their actions remain controversial. “They present themselves as an official force, yet their methods and authority are questionable and unacceptable,” he noted.
The violent encounter has raised concerns among residents about the continued operations of these men, their role in traffic control, and their methods of enforcing compliance. Despite being seen as unofficial agents of the state, their actions have increasingly drawn criticism from locals who question their legitimacy and the legality of their duties.
