… As passengers, traders kick
From: Okwe Obi, Abuja
Chaos rented the air, on Wednesday, in Abuja, after a driver, popularly
known as Ernest, was allegedly shot by an operative of the Joint Task
Force (JTF).
Speaking to Daily Sun, a commercial driver, who gave his name simply as
Kayode, and who also witnessed the drama, said the deceased was
conveying passengers along Wuse market when a Hilux van loaded with
security operatives accosted him, leading to the seizure of his car
keys. While trying to get back his keys, one of the operatives
allegedly shot him.
Kayode also added that: “The JTF are fun of oppressing us. How can you
tell us not to park and carry passengers? We have families to take
care of. Ernest was carrying one in front and three behind. He was
caught in motion. This is just the beginning of our protest.
“Last week they caught us and extorted money from us. They have been
treating us as if we are slaves. It has gotten out of hand. We can no
longer take it,” he added.
A commuter, Blessing Chima, who was heading to Nyanya decried the
situation as she claimed delayed her from meeting up with an appointment.
“The JTF should be taught how to act becomingly. Their actions have
led to a total breakdown of law,” she lamented.
As of the time filing this report, commuters were seen trekking long
distances, as protesting drivers were dragging passengers out of
commercial vehicles. While drivers who refused to comply with the
protest had their car keys seized.
Moreso, shops along Wuse, were locked as owners scamper for safety to
avoid been injured by the protesting drivers.