Commercial tricycle operators, also known as tricyclists in Taraba State, have killed a union member after a dispute over the mandatory daily operational ticketing pass.
The deceased, identified as 29-year-old Jessy Markus, was responsible for issuing the daily operational pass required by members of the commercial tricycle riders’ union before they could commence operations.
It was gathered on Thursday that the deadly confrontation occurred yesterday among commercial tricycle (keke NAPEP) operators at Angwan Kassa in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when Markus stopped a commercial tricycle rider who allegedly failed to obtain the mandatory daily pass and insisted the rider purchase it before continuing.
“The rider abandoned his tricycle at the scene and left, only to return later accompanied by his younger brother and several associates.
“Some members of the group were armed with knives,” said a witness who identified himself as Sunday.
However, what started as a heated argument quickly escalated into a violent confrontation during which Markus was stabbed in the neck.
The attack sparked panic, forcing residents, traders, and fellow tricycle operators to flee as violence erupted.
“We received a distress call and immediately mobilized to the scene to assess the situation and prevent further escalation,” said a police operative who requested anonymity.
The police operative confirmed that two suspects, the tricycle rider and his younger brother, were arrested and are currently in custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“Markus was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary,” the police source said.
Following the incident, armed security personnel, supported by a police Hilux patrol vehicle, were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any breakdown of peace.
As of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Police Command had not issued an official public statement on the incident, while investigations remain ongoing.