Okada riders in Asaba and Okayama, situated in the Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Areas of Delta State, have initiated widespread blockades on major roads and markets. Their agitation stems from the tragic demise of fellow riders.
In a demonstration of their discontent, the Okada riders protesters flooded the streets during the early hours of Monday, venting their frustration and causing damage to properties in their wake.
The unrest extended to commercial hubs such as the renowned Midwifery Market in Okpanam and the Delta State Post Primary Education Board along Sunnis Road in Asaba, both of which witnessed vandalism orchestrated by the protesters.
According to Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, the catalyst for the protests was the unfortunate loss of two motorcycle riders on Sunday. Their deaths occurred in the course of an enforcement operation conducted by the State Task Force.
Responding to the escalating situation, law enforcement authorities have deployed a contingent of police officers to the protest sites in a bid to manage the unrest and maintain public order.
Edafe wrote in a post on his X handle, “There was a violent protest this morning by Okada riders who had issue last night with the state task force that led to the death of two persons.
“They mobilised in their numbers this morning, destroying properties and beating people, hence our men were deployed to control the situation before it turns to something else.”
