Tension enveloped Warri metropolis in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday when a mob attacked some officials of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority over the alleged molestation of a commercial tricycle operator, Mr Ameh Ojima.
In the ensuing confusion, one of the DESTMA officials was reportedly dragged by the mob, who besieged the Angle park area of Warri, in defence of the arrested Keke operator.
Witnesses said trouble started when the tricycle operator, who was riding along the Ekurode Urhobo area, was intercepted by the traffic officials, who impounded his Keke for allegedly riding against traffic.
The tricycle documents and key were reportedly seized, as the rider was directed to follow them to their office.
“The personnel turned down all entreaties by passersby to return the seized key and documents as a struggle ensued between the Keke rider and the officials,” a resident said.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the scuffle degenerated into a fight with more Keke riders besieging the scene in solidarity with their embattled colleague.
Passersby who joined the rider also protested his arrest and attacked one of the DESTMA officials until he returned the seized particulars to the operator.
Our correspondent gathered that peace was restored following the intervention of a senior police officer from the ‘B’ division, Warri, who resolved the dispute.
The seized particulars were later returned to the rider without any payment.
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