Soji Ajibola
Fear has gripped residents of New garage area, Ibadan, as commercial micra drivers mobilized and killed traffic warden officer on official duty at New garage area in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo on Thursday.
This incident which has been confirmed by the police authority has created tension in the area.
Our correspondent gathered that the deceased was attacked for apprehending one of taxi drivers for violating the traffic rules.
Commercial taxi operators, as reliably informed mobilized their members and launched attack on the traffic warden which eventually resulted in his death.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso in a statement said commercial taxi operators have killed a traffic warden officer, Oluniyi Bamidele while on official duty.
The statement read, ”a traffic warden officer with A/P No. 16860 STW Oluniyi Bamidele ‘m’ attached to the Challenge Police Divisional Headquarters, Ibadan while on legitimate traffic duties was attacked by commercial vehicle operators (Micra) after one of the operators was contravened for serious traffic offences.
”Acting on the false alarm raised to his colleagues, other commercial vehicle operators attacked the deceased and pushed him towards another oncoming commercial vehicle at 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.
”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, Tactical and other Crime Prevention teams have since been deployed to the area to forestall any untoward situation that can lead to breach of the Peace in the State.
”Members of the public are also encouraged to help the Police with credible information to aid the ongoing investigation into this heinous crime.”
