Asaba protest: Police Arrest 8 Suspects, Impounds 53 Motorcycles

By Stephen Asaba-ase

Following the violent protest that broke out at Asaba, Delta State the
Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensure that the State remained peaceful.

According to a press statement signed by the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda on 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 enforced the ban on late-hour operations of tricycles and motorcycles in Asaba, starting from 8pm in the evening.The protesters stormed the taskforce office along sunmit road, ransacked and destroyed vehicles and offices.

The statement reads, “Immediately the information got to the Department of operations, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Efeizomor George gave a directive to our operation team to restore peace and order and further put a halt to the rancorous demonstration within the metropolis.

“The police operatives carried out successfully a raid of the 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 reiterated the negative impact of violent protests on the economic growth of the State and therefore appealed to the general public to remain calm and law-abiding citizens, assuring that the police had the responsibility to ensure safety of lives and properties, hence creating a safer and more egalitarian society for Deltans.