A traffic warden in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has lost his life no thanks to the alleged cruelty of commercial cab operators.
The deceased, a senior traffic warden, It was gathered, incurred the wrath of the yet-to-be-identified drivers of Nissan Micra commercial cabs for daring to contravene one of them who, the state police command said, had committed serious traffic offences.
The deceased, Identified as Oluniyi Bamidele, with A/P No. 16860, attached to the Challenge Police Divisional Headquarters, Ibadan, was on duty at the New Garage area on Thursday,9th June 2022, when he met his untimely death.
Giving a graphic description of the gruesome killing of the cop, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wale Osifeso stated in a press statement that the contravened cab operator raised a false alarm to his colleagues, based on which “other commercial vehicle operators attacked the deceased and pushed him towards another oncoming commercial vehicle on top-speed, hence knocking him into unconsciousness before another Micra driver deliberately drove over his helpless body, which eventually led to his death at the spot”.
According to the PPRO, “The Command has immediately commenced investigation into the incident as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to leave no stone unturned in apprehending those responsible for the cold-blooded murder of the traffic warden for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law”.
While enjoining the citizenry to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of harassment or molestation, he said tactical and other crime prevention teams have since been deployed to the area to forestall any untoward situation that could lead to a breach of peace in the state.
He also appealed to members of the public to avail the Police of credible information to aid the ongoing investigation into the heinous crime.