Protesters set fire to a vehicle from the Traffic Division of the Katsina State Police Command after officers attempted to apprehend a traffic offender on Tuesday in Katsina metropolis.
According to sources, the incident occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Kofar Guga, one of the busiest roads in the city.
“The individual was riding a motorcycle when the traffic police personnel tried to stop and potentially arrest him. He abandoned his motorcycle on the road and fled,” stated an anonymous witness concerned for their safety.
“The motorcycle was subsequently crushed by a truck. This angered bystanders who believed the motorcyclist could have been injured if he hadn’t escaped quickly.”
The protesters may have also been incensed by the frequent extortion of motorists by police personnel.
The police spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr. Aliyu acknowledged that the protesters facilitated the escape of the traffic offender before setting the vehicle on fire.
He clarified that the suspect, who is currently evading capture, had committed a traffic violation and the traffic personnel were simply carrying out their duties.
Mr. Aliyu further mentioned that eight individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
“Today, July 4, 2023, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a commercial motorcycle rider, while attempting to evade arrest by officers of the State Motor Traffic Division (MTD) during the lawful execution of their duties, fell to the ground. Although the suspected motorcyclist managed to escape, his motorcycle was crushed by a passing truck.
“In light of the aforementioned events, certain unscrupulous individuals took advantage of the situation, aided the suspect’s escape, and attacked the police patrol vehicle.
“Upon receiving the report, the Area Commander Metro promptly responded, arrived at the scene, and effectively resolved the situation, leading to the arrest of eight suspects who assisted the suspect in escaping and attacked the police patrol vehicle,” he stated.
Mr. Aliyu assured that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway.
