Police Probe Tricycle Rider's Death After FRSC Operation Sparks Outrage

(Bayelsa Police. Photo Credit: Premuim times)

The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the d3ath of a commercial tricycle rider in a road accident allegedly linked to a traffic enforcement operation by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps at Okaka Junction in Yenagoa.

The incident, which occurred on Monday morning along the Okaka Expressway near Okaka Primary School, claimed the life of the tricycle operator after his vehicle reportedly collided with a Dangote truck.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the crash occurred during an enforcement operation close to an FRSC checkpoint. Some residents claimed the actions of the officials contributed to the accident, while others alleged that the officers left the scene immediately afterwards, triggering protests by angry youths and residents.

The incident sparked outrage, with protesters describing the deceased as a hardworking father who was on his daily routine to earn a living for his family.

They demanded a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and called for anyone found culpable to be held accountable.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, DSP Musa Muhammad, said the command had begun a preliminary investigation into the cause of the incident, adding that law and order had since been restored.

Reacting to allegations against the FRSC, the Bayelsa Sector Commander, Corps Commander Sylvanus Oke-Ordu, denied that the agency's personnel were responsible for the accident.

He explained that FRSC officers left the scene not to evade responsibility but to pursue the truck driver, who allegedly attempted to flee after the collision, adding that the driver was later apprehended and is currently in police custody.