There was tension in part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, yesterday, when dozens of motorcyclists, popularly known as ‘okada’ operators attacked Same Global Estate in the Lokogoma area to protest the death of three of colleagues allegedly knocked down by a motorist.
The incident happened around 3pm, when a driver of black Mercedes Benz coming from the Galadimawa axis hit an okada rider around Lokogoma estate.
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A witness told City & Crime that the driver was being chased by dozens of ‘Okada’ riders and as he tried to drive into Same Estate, he again knocked another okada man who was carrying three people and they that died on the spot.
He said, “At this point, the okada men that were already chasing him from Galadimawa met the ones that were in Same Estate so, the number swelled and they kept chasing him.
“He then drove into the estate and parked the car at a mall inside. While the okada riders who were trying to gain entry into the estate were stopped by security men at the gate.
“So, they started hitting the gate, hurling stones before setting things ablaze, including the security post of the estate, as well as some vehicles.”
He said the committee of the estate investigated the matter and moved the vehicle out.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, told our correspondent that three people were knocked by a yet-to-be-identified motorist.
She explained that no house was set ablaze, saying the police and the military arrived before the situation degenerated.
Adeh commended the residents for alerting the security operatives immediately the incident happened and urged residents of the territory to emulate them.
‘‘No house was burnt at the Dakwo side where the incident occurred because we arrested the situation on time.
‘‘We even called out the military to come. You know we don’t rely on only one DPO during our operations.
‘‘Any DPO that is around that place, we called them out. Places like Durumi, Apo, and Galadimawa areas.
‘‘The RRS and the CP himself also went there because we really want to keep everyone safe,’’ she also said.