Major roads and markets in Asaba and Okpanam in Delta State witnessed chaotic scenes on Monday as aggrieved commercial motorcycle riders took to the streets to protest the reported death of their colleagues during an enforcement operation by the State Task Force.
Eyewitnesses reported that the angry protesters resorted to violence, leading to property destruction and disruptions of business activities.
The protests, which occurred in the Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of the State, particularly targeted areas around the popular Midwifery Market in Okpanam and the State’s Post Primary Education Board along Sunnis Road in Asaba.
According to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, the unrest stemmed from an incident on Sunday where two motorcycle riders lost their lives during an encounter with the State Task Force operatives.
SP Edafe confirmed that the police had deployed personnel to contain the situation and prevent further escalation of violence.
In a statement posted on his X, SP Edafe explained that, “There was a violent protest this morning by Okada riders who had an issue last night with the state task force that led to the death of two persons. They mobilised in their numbers this morning, destroying properties and beating people, hence our men were deployed to control the situation before it turned to something else.”
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