Tricycle riders attack traffic officers in Oyo

The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday, said two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, were assaulted by tricycle riders and hoodlums in Ibadan while performing their duties.

According to Oyelade, the officers sustained severe injuries after they were attacked with iron rods, stones, and sticks at the Water Corporation gate in Ibadan.

The incident occurred as the officers attempted to impound a commercial tricycle parked on the road, obstructing traffic.

While transporting the seized tricycle to the Agodi Gate command unit, they were ambushed by a group of irate tricycle riders and hoodlums.

The commissioner said, “A good Samaritan intervened, rescuing the officers from the mob. The injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment at the state clinic within the Secretariat in Ibadan.”

On his part, the OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (retd.), condemned the attack, noting that seven suspects had been apprehended in connection with the assault.

He said, “It’s unfortunate that our officers, who work tirelessly to maintain order on our roads, are being attacked.”

Adesagba maintained that OYRTMA would not be deterred from executing its duties, adding, “The arrested suspects are in custody at the Idi-Ape police station and will face the full weight of the law.”

The suspects were subsequently arraigned at Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on charges of assault. Each defendant was granted bail with one surety and a bond of ₦100,000.

However, failure to meet bail conditions led to their remand at Agodi Prison pending further hearings. The case was adjourned until November 17, 2024.