Police in Asaba have apprehended eight individuals and seized 53 motorcycles following a crackdown on defiant Okada riders who allegedly engaged in a violent protest on Monday.
The demonstration, sparked by perceived mistreatment from the State Taskforce enforcing restrictions on late-night motorcycle operations, led to chaos within Asaba’s streets.
It was gathered that the Okada riders took to the streets of Asaba in Delta State, to protest the deaths of their colleagues at the hands of the task force. Angered by the loss, the protesters blocked major roads and markets, venting their frustrations by damaging properties.
The demonstration, which commenced early on Monday, saw businesses in areas like the Midwifery Market in Okpanam and the Delta State Post Primary Education Board along Summit Road, Asaba, targeted by the protesters.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that two motorcycle riders lost their lives on Sunday during enforcement actions by the State Task Force.
Acting swiftly, a team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Department of Operations, ACP Efeizomor George, under the directive of Commissioner CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, intervened to restore peace.
Emphasizing the detrimental effects of such disturbances on the state’s economic progress, CP Abaniwonda urged the public to maintain calm and respect the law. Assuring the community of the Police Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, he underscored the importance of fostering a secure environment for all residents of Delta State.
