A commercial tricycle operator has died after his involvement in an auto crash alongside another tricyclist in Taraba state.
Reports held that the deceased was attempting to escape from a stop and search operation by police operatives, after which he rammed his tricycle against the other road used who was conveying passengers at the scene.
Mshelizah added that the Divisional Police Officer who supervised the operation confirmed that no officer discharged a firearm during the incident, however, the incident triggered anger among commercial tricycle operators, who accused the police of contributing to the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Some tricyclists alleged that officers fired gunshots during the ensuing confusion, a claim the police have strongly denied, but the confrontation escalated after the collision, prompting scores of tricycle operators and sympathisers to stage a protest.
The Taraba State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, nevertheless , rebuffed the allegations, stating that the mishap, which happened at the Road Block Area in Jalingo at about 5pm yesterday, occured due to reckless driving by the deceased rider, swerving into the wrong lane after noticing police officers conducting routine checks, resulting in a collision with another tricycle, causing severe injuries on the male female victim who were rushed to a hospital for medical intervention.
Demonstrators reportedly blocked a major roadway, disrupting vehicular movement and commercial activities.
As tensions rose, police personnel deployed teargas to disperse the gathering crowd and restore order.
The action further heightened anxiety among residents and commuters in the area.
Meanwhile, the Taraba government have urged both the police and tricycle operators to remain calm while a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident is done.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns over the strained relationship between commercial tricycle operators and law enforcement agencies, with calls for improved engagement to prevent similar incidents in the future.