Commercial drivers staged the Obiri/Ikwerre Flyover protest in Port Harcourt on Thursday after they accused suspected task force officials of assaulting one of their colleagues. The drivers alleged that the officials pushed the driver from his moving vehicle while trying to seize it over a ticket-related dispute.
They said the incident sparked anger among commercial drivers, who gathered around the flyover to protest what they described as harassment and unprofessional conduct.
The protesters called for the immediate disbandment of the task force. They also demanded measures to prevent further clashes between transport workers and officials.
As the Obiri/Ikwerre Flyover protest continued, traffic movement slowed sharply along the route towards Rumuosi.
Several minibuses parked around the area, worsening the congestion. The disruption also affected commuters travelling through the Rumuokoro Park axis.
Many passengers struggled to find commercial vehicles as drivers joined the protest. Some commuters were left stranded while others searched for alternative means of transport.
The incident created tension in an area that serves as an important transport route for residents and workers moving between parts of Port Harcourt and neighbouring communities.
Meanwhile, Success Temitope, chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Choba/Eleme Chapel, called for a major restructuring of the task force.
He said authorities should reconstitute the task force and include representatives from recognised transport unions.
According to him, such a structure would promote professionalism and make officials more accountable in their dealings with commercial drivers.
The Obiri/Ikwerre Flyover protest has again highlighted tensions between transport workers and enforcement officials over vehicle seizures, tickets and road regulations.
However, the allegations made by the drivers would need to be independently established.
Authorities are expected to investigate the reported assault and the events that led to the protest.
For commuters, the immediate concern remains the impact of such disputes on traffic and public transport along the busy Port Harcourt route.
