Clash between Okada Riders and Police Leave 9 Injured, Police Station and Other Properties Burnt

Unlike in Lagos, users of traffic in the city of Ibadan enjoy seemingly unlimited liberty when it comes to obeying the law. This was demonstrated once again when a bloody clash between policemen and commercial motorcylists popularly called okada on Tuesday left no fewer than seven policemen and two commercial okada riders injured.

Also, the police station at Kuola, Apata, five vehicles and seven motorcycles were torched by the aggrieved okada riders who complained bitterly about alleged high-handedness of the policemen in the area.

According to eyewitness account, the crisis had started when an okada rider allegedly violated a police directive that banned them from carrying two passengers. The culprit was promptly arrested and taken to the police station. Dissatisfied by the arrest of their colleague, about 45 okada riders mobilized themselves and stormed the police station demanding the release of their colleague. Subsequently, the okada riders then started hauling stones and other objects at the station. Shortly afterwards, the station was set ablaze.

The resultant which lasted about three hours sacked Apata and its environs. Eventually, ten police Hilux vans loaded with armed policemen and soldiers, one armoured personnel carrier, APC were sent to the area. Police then arrested 30 okada riders and took to the Oyo State Criminal Investigation Department.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Fasholo should be very carefull with way they handle okada riders, are they not Nigerians? Which work do create for them to do? When they are campaigning for him they are not criminals, please allow them to go on if not God will punish you.