30th July, 2022
Okafor Ofiebor/Rivers
Tricycle drivers in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, on Friday, staged a peaceful protest over alleged beating of one of their members to the state of coma by Officers of Federal Road Safety Corps,FRSC.
The tricycle riders took to the streets of Yenagoa in protest and refused to carry passengers.
In chats with journalists, some of the tricycle operators alleged that the victim was stopped by an officer of FRSC for allegedly overloading his vehicle.
They said this led to exchange of words between the tricycle operator and the FRSC officer before he was physically assaulted.
They called for justice for their member, the tricycle operators called on the Bayelsa State Police command to investigate the incident and ensure that the FRSC officers involved are brought to book.
The stated the law enforcement operatives maltreat them physically through assault, by boarding their tricycles and refusing to pay or through extortion on daily basis.
Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo, who granted the tricycle operators audience assured them that their grievances have been heard and incident would be investigated.
He appealed them to stop the protest and continue their normal business.
They were also addressed by State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization, Nengi James, who also assured them that the issue will be followed up to ensure that their assaulted member will get Justice.