Tension gripped the Obiri/Ikwerre Flyover in Port Harcourt on Thursday as commercial drivers staged a protest over the alleged assault of one of their colleagues by suspected task force officials.

The protesting drivers accused the officials of using excessive force during an attempt to impound the victim’s vehicle over a ticket-related dispute.

According to them, the driver was allegedly pushed out of his moving vehicle while the officials tried to seize it, raising concerns over the safety of transport operators in the state.

The incident triggered an immediate protest, with scores of commercial buses parked on sections of the Obiri/Ikwerre Flyover, bringing traffic to a standstill.

The demonstration resulted in heavy gridlock along the flyover towards the Rumuosi axis, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded for hours.

The disruption also affected commuters around the busy Rumuokoro Park, where passengers were left waiting as commercial vehicles stayed off the roads in solidarity with the protesting drivers.

The aggrieved drivers demanded the immediate disbandment of the task force, alleging that its members had consistently harassed commercial drivers and operated in an unprofessional manner.

They urged the Rivers State Government to investigate the alleged assault and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.

Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Choba/Eleme Chapel, Mr. Success Temitope, condemned the alleged assault and called for the task force to be reconstituted.

Temitope advocated the inclusion of members drawn from recognised transport unions, arguing that such a move would promote professionalism, accountability and better understanding between transport operators and enforcement personnel.

He maintained that involving legitimate transport union representatives in the task force would help curb excesses, reduce friction with drivers and improve the enforcement of transport regulations.

As of the time of filing this report, normal traffic was gradually returning to the affected routes, while no official statement had been issued by the authorities on the incident.