A disturbing incident has rocked the Ijoko area of Ogun State, Nigeria, where a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an okada rider, was allegedly stabbed to death by a member of a transport union tax collection group, commonly referred to as agberos.
The gruesome act was sparked by a heated argument over a N100 ticket, highlighting the escalating tensions between motorcyclists and levy collectors in the state.
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Eyewitnesses gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday night, with the disagreement between the deceased and the agbero escalating into a violent confrontation. Two individuals were stabbed during the altercation, but tragically, only one survived. The victim's colleagues, fueled by anger and frustration, took to the streets on Wednesday, staging protests and confronting levy collectors in parts of Lambe, Agbado, and Akute communities.
The protests disrupted transport activities, forcing many commuters to trek to their destinations as commercial motorcyclists refused to work. A motorcyclist, Rasheed, revealed that the deceased was from Nasarawa and that tensions remained high among his colleagues. Another rider, Ganiyu, confirmed the incident, stating that the agbero suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed the motorcyclist during the argument.
The police are aware of the incident and have arrested some individuals involved. However, official confirmation from the Ogun State Police Command is still pending, as spokesperson Omolola Odutola had not responded to enquiries at the time of reporting.
This incident is not an isolated case, as violent clashes between commercial motorcyclists and levy collectors have become a recurring issue in Ogun State. In recent years, riders have repeatedly protested what they describe as extortion and harassment by these groups. A similar confrontation in 2023 at Akute Bus Stop and Alagbole in Ifo Local Government Area led to property destruction, shop closures, and residents fleeing for safety.
The frequency of these incidents raises concerns about the safety and security of commercial motorcyclists and the general public. It is imperative for authorities to address the root causes of these clashes and implement measures to prevent such tragic events in the future.