The prompt intervention of officers and men of the Kebbi State Police Command on Monday saved the lives of officials at the office of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Birnin Kebbi.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the office was attacked by scores of irate ‘okada’ riders who were protesting alleged maltreatment of their members.
The `okada’ riders were said to have been involved in a traffic accident allegedly caused by officials of the FRSC in the town.
The okada riders also wanted to burn down the FRSC office during their protest before they were stopped by the police.
Consequently, scores of patrol vehicles of the FRSC have now been parked in the premises of the 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Dukku Barracks.
Also members of staff of the FRSC have abandoned their office in the city for safety reasons.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Kebbi, Mr Seyi Daniel, confirmed that about 300 angry commercial motorcyclists attempted to manhandle road safety marshals and burn the FRSC office.
He said the dispute was sparked off when commercial motor cyclists conveying two other passengers violated traffic rules by following the wrong lane to avoid arrest.
Daniel explained that in the process, they were knocked down by an on coming vehicle.
“The okada rider and two passengers were conveyed to the Federal Medical Centre for treatment for bruises after the accident by road safety marshals.
“Other commercial motorcyclists were wrongfully mobilised, armed themselves with dangerous weapons, chanting vulgar slogans against the commission with intent to burn the office down.”
He said that marshals on duty and other staff were able to contact the Police Command for protection. NAN
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