Commercial taxi drivers, on Monday, March 13, took to the street in protest against the death of one of their members, who was allegedly beaten to death by Rivers State Task force on street trading and illegal motor parks.
The protesting drivers were seen marching along the Rumuokoro/Rupokwu axis, refusing to return to their daily business. It was gathered that a fight broke out between members of the task force and a driver, which led to the death of the latter after being beaten up.
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The protest resulted in heavy human traffic from Rumuokoro to Rupokwu, leaving passengers stranded, while some trekked from Rupokwu junction to Rumuokoro due to absence of vehicles.
Also, drivers from other parts of the state who wanted to ply the route, either made U-turn or used alternative routes. Others parked by the roadside and disembarked their passengers for fear of being attacked by protesting drivers.
The protest resulted in heavy human traffic from Rumuokoro to Rupokwu, leaving passengers stranded, while some trekked from Rupokwu junction to Rumuokoro due to absence of vehicles.
Also, drivers from other parts of the state who wanted to ply the route, either made U-turn or used alternative routes. Others parked by the roadside and disembarked their passengers for fear of being attacked by protesting drivers.
One of the drivers said: “The protest is to honour our dead colleague. We have resolved that we will not offer our services until government bans the boys that are doing this.”
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, said the culprits have been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
