Police have paid N310,000 to protesting truck drivers who blocked the Bauchi-Jos road, leading to a peaceful dispersal of the demonstration. The protest began when a colleague’s truck tyre was allegedly damaged by revenue enforcement agents. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding revenue collection and enforcement on major transport routes in Nigeria.
The Bauchi State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib, detailed the events that transpired on Friday. A truck driver, en route to Bauchi from Jos, reportedly failed to stop for revenue checks. Officials from the Federal Government haulage unit then deployed a metal blocking device on the road, which allegedly caused the truck’s tyre to burst.
What is the reason for the Bauchi-Jos road blockade? The road was blocked by truck drivers in protest after a colleague’s truck tyre was damaged by revenue enforcement agents who allegedly used a metal blocking device when the driver failed to stop for revenue checks.
This incident quickly escalated, inciting anger among other truck drivers. In a show of solidarity, they swiftly mounted a roadblock on the busy Bauchi–Jos highway at the Miri axis of Bauchi metropolis, effectively disrupting the free flow of traffic and causing significant delays for other commuters and businesses.
The situation demanded immediate intervention. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, CSP Holman Simon, in conjunction with CSP Abdulrazak Padah, Officer in Charge of Operation Restore Peace (ORP), were dispatched to the scene to de-escalate the conflict.
How did the police resolve the protest? The DPO engaged directly with the protesting drivers, listened to their grievances, and ultimately paid N310,000 to the affected driver for the damaged tyre. This action appeased the drivers, leading to the peaceful reopening of the road.
Following the resolution, the police confirmed the arrest of two individuals believed to be connected to the breach of public peace during the protest. This action indicates a commitment to maintaining order and holding those responsible for disruptions accountable.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori, issued a statement commending CSP Simon for his prompt and diplomatic approach to handling the sensitive situation. Such interventions are crucial in preventing further escalation and maintaining public order.
He also extended his appreciation to the residents of Bauchi State for their continued cooperation with the police force. This collaboration is vital for effective community policing and ensuring the safety and security of the region.
This event serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing commercial transport and revenue collection, often leading to friction between drivers and enforcement agencies. Finding sustainable solutions that satisfy all parties remains a significant challenge.
The timely intervention and financial compensation by the police demonstrate a pragmatic approach to resolving immediate crises, though it may not address the underlying issues that led to the protest in the first place.
Future preventative measures could involve clearer communication channels between transport unions and revenue enforcement bodies, as well as standardized procedures for revenue collection to avoid such damaging incidents.
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