Posted by Ifebuche Chukwuka on
VIOLENCE erupted yesterday between commercial bus drivers and the police at Ahmadiya area of Abule-Egba, Lagos State following the alleged killing of a middle-aged driver by a policeman attached to the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA).
LAGOS - VIOLENCE erupted yesterday between commercial bus drivers and the police at Ahmadiya area of Abule-Egba, Lagos State following the alleged killing of a middle-aged driver by a policeman attached to the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA).
The crisis which paralyzed commercial activities in the area led to the blockage of the major road from U-turn to Ijaiye-Ojokoro by commercial drivers who were protesting the killing of their colleague.
The protesting drivers who made bonfires on the roads with disused tyres chanted anti-police slogans and threatened to kill any policeman found in the area.
The deceased was said to be the driver of a Volkswagen commercial bus with number place XG 138 SSS was pursued by a policeman attached to LASTMA for committing an undisclosed offence. The policeman reportedly fired a shot during the chase. The victim died some hours later.
Thousands of commuters who were going to different directions were stranded during the protest while hoodlums capitalized on the crisis to snatch handsets and other valuables from people. Calm returned to the area after a detachment of anti-riot policemen arrived the scene. Lagos State Police Command Spokesman, Mr. Bode Ojajuni who confirmed the incident said efforts were being made to fish out the person that killed the bus driver and assured that calm had returned to the area.
'The Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Haruna, on hearing the incident, immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner in-charge of Administration, Mr. Ojehume to move to the place and restore peace.
This directive was swiftly carried out to the letter and we are still trying to unravel the circumstances that led to the killing of the driver.