Two Dead In Clash Between Okada Riders And Delta Task Force

Eko Hot Blog reports that tensions erupted in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, following a deadly altercation between commercial motorcycle operators, known as okada riders, and a state task force on Sunday night.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that two individuals lost their lives during the clash.

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Speaking on the unrest that unfolded on Monday, the state police public relations officer, Bright Edafe, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to provide details. Edafe stated, “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.”

The protest, which turned violent, saw the enraged okada riders mobilizing in large numbers to voice their grievances. “They mobilised in their numbers this morning, destroying property and beating people. Hence, our men were deployed to control the situation before it turned into something else,” Edafe explained.

Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media painted a chaotic picture, with reports of unrest at the Okpanam Road axis and Midwifery area in Asaba. One video captured the tense scene where policemen fired gunshots, while another showed a group of people blocking the road with their motorcycles.

The Delta State Police Command has attributed the Monday unrest as a direct fallout from the previous night’s altercation between the okada riders and the state task force. Authorities have deployed officers to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation of violence.

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As the situation unfolds, concerns have been raised about the underlying tensions between commercial transport operators and state authorities tasked with regulating their activities. The loss of two lives during the initial clash has undoubtedly exacerbated the volatile situation.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal altercation and the subsequent violent protests. Authorities are working to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.

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