Okada riders protests; burns police station, cars, in Ibadan

Okada riders in Kuola area of Ibadan, on Wednesday morning, burnt the police station in the community to protest over one of their members, who fainted after an encounter with some policemen but was thought to have been killed.

According to the report, the okada rider was accosted by the police for carrying two passengers. While on interrogation by the policemen, the victim was allegedly hit on the head with a baton by the police officers.

Thinking that their colleague was dead by the impact, the okada riders stormed the police station, burnt the building including seven motorcycles and five vehicles parked within the premises.

At the station, seven motorcycles and five vehicles parked within the premises were burnt. While six officers said to be inside the station when the okada riders arrived were reportedly wounded.

The entire Kuola area was later cordoned off by men of the state police command, members of the state's security outfit, Operation Burst, and members of the state's Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps (NCDSC) and other vigilante group members.

A community leader in the area, Engineer Ayodele Olowoyile described the incident as very unfortunate because the police in the area and community had always had a good relationship.

The state's acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Ayodele Lanade, who confirmed the report said the case was still under investigation.

Meanwhile the okada rider who was said to cause the fracas is currently undergoing treatment in an undisclosed private hospital.  (Credit: Tribune)