A group of truck drivers staged a protest on the Bauchi-Jos highway in Bauchi, Nigeria, on Friday, blocking the road after a colleague’s truck tire was allegedly damaged by revenue enforcement agents. The incident occurred when the driver failed to stop for revenue checks while approaching Bauchi from Jos, prompting officials to insert a metal blocking device on the road, which caused the tire to burst.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, the incident sparked outrage among other truck drivers, who immediately blocked the highway in solidarity with their colleague, disrupting traffic flow. The police swiftly responded to the situation, with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, CSP Holman Simon, and CSP Abdulrazak Padah, Officer in Charge of Operation Restore Peace (ORP), intervening at the scene.
The DPO engaged with the drivers, listened to their concerns, and paid N310,000 to the affected driver to replace the damaged tire, leading to the peaceful dispersal of the protesters and the reopening of the road. The police also arrested two suspects in connection with the breach of public peace.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori, commended CSP Simon for his prompt and diplomatic response, appreciating the residents of Bauchi State for their continued cooperation with the police. The incident highlights the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in maintaining public order and ensuring the free flow of traffic on major highways.
The Bauchi-Jos highway is a critical transportation route, and such incidents can have significant economic and social implications. The police response in this case demonstrates the need for law enforcement agencies to balance revenue collection with the need to protect the rights and safety of road users. As the police continue to investigate the incident, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to prevent similar incidents and maintain peace and order on the nation’s highways.
