OYRTMA Boss Condemns Attack On Officials, Says It Is Barbaric, Unacceptable
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd) has strongly condemned the attack on his five officials, describing it as barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on constituted authority.
It could be recalled that five officials of the Agency were injured, while several operational vehicles were damaged, following a violent clash that erupted at Soka Junction in Ibadan during the enforcement of the state’s QR-coded jacket policy on commercial motorcyclists.
It was gathered that the confrontation, which reportedly involved aggrieved riders, disrupted traffic flow in the area and raised fresh concerns over resistance to the ongoing regulatory exercise.
It was gathered that trouble began when the team arrived at Soka Junction when officials observed widespread non-compliance with the QR jacket directive and halted engaging riders, in a bid to sensitize them on the importance of the policy.
During the process, a group of aggrieved riders launched an attack on the officials, hurling stones and wooden planks. One officer was reportedly struck in the chest, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Personnel of the Amotekun Corps, who accompanied the team as security backup, were also attacked, which made enforcement team to withdraw from the scene.
In the aftermath, four operational vehicles belonging to the agency were severely damaged.
As of the time of filing this report, three injured personnel remained hospitalized, while others were treated for minor injuries.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on constituted authority.
“Our officers were on lawful duty to enforce a government policy designed to ensure security, accountability, and proper regulation of commercial motorcycle operations across Oyo State.
“It is deeply unfortunate that they were met with such violent resistance.”
Adekoya further emphasized that the QR jacket initiative is aimed at improving public safety, curbing criminal activities, and creating a reliable identification system for okada riders.
“We will not be deterred by acts of violence. The enforcement will continue, and those responsible for this attack will be identified and brought to justice,” he added.
He also called on stakeholders, including transport unions and community leaders, to support the government’s efforts and educate their members on the importance of compliance.
Adekoya disclosed that security agencies have been notified, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.