By Adebeso Precious (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
Siwes student Adebeso Precious from D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic reports that some tanker drivers on the Loko Oweto Bridge in Benue State accused soldiers of conducting stop-and-search operations, alleging an abrupt increase in levies from N500 to N1,000. One driver, Yusuf, stated that a clash ensued when the soldiers insisted on each driver paying N2,000.
Despite the drivers’ attempt to stick to their usual N500 payment, an altercation ensued, resulting in injuries to a driver, his motor boy, and Yusuf himself.
Yusuf explained, Instead of the usual N500, they requested N2,000 from each of us. We insisted on paying N500, but they refused, leading to an argument. A driver and his motor boy were injured, and I sustained a head injury.
Another unnamed driver revealed that their protest on Tuesday obstructed vehicular movement on the highway. He emphasized the excessive extortion, stating, N2,000 is too much. Our protest caused traffic; authorities should investigate.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, countered the claims, asserting that troops were deployed to decongest traffic resulting from a clash between truck drivers and locals.
He clarified that the troops did not kill anyone during the operation, aiming to restore peace and normal traffic flow.
