Okada Riders Protest: Delta Police Command arrests 8 suspects, impounds 53 motorcycles

March 19, 2024

The Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspects and impounded fifty-three motorcycles following the violent protest that happened on Monday in Asaba, the State capital.

In a press statement on Monday, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that the State is peaceful and warned that no breach of peace would be tolerated.

The statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP. Edafe Bright and released on it’s official X handle read:

Today, 18th March 2024, a group of motorcycle (Okada) riders embarked on a violent protest within the Asaba metropolis, over their perceived maltreatment by members of the State Taskforce who enforces the ban on late-hour operations of tricycles and motorcycles in Asaba, at about 0800hrs.

The protesters stormed the taskforce office along summit road, ransacked and destroyed vehicles and offices.

Upon receipt of the information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Department of Operations, ACP Efeizomor George, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, led teams of operatives to restore peace and further put a halt to the rancorous demonstration within the metropolis.

To that effect, the team of police officers successfully carried out a raid of recalcitrant motorcycle riders who were embarking on this violent and destructive protest in Asaba Metropolis, Eight (8) male suspects were arrested, and Fifty-Three (53) motorcycles were impounded.

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reiterates the negative impact of violent protests on the economic growth of the State and therefore appeals to the public to remain calm and be law-abiding,assuring that the police command has the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and properties hence creating a safer and more equitable society for Deltans.