One killed as dispute among tricycle operators turns deadly in Taraba
A violent confrontation among commercial tricycle operators in Angwan Kassa, Jalingo, Taraba State, resulted in the death of a 29-year-old man on Wednesday. The deceased, Jessy Markus, was the issuer of the daily operational passes required for tricycle drivers to commence their work.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident began when Markus confronted a tricycle rider for not possessing the mandatory pass. After an initial exchange, the rider left the scene but returned shortly with his younger brother and several others, some of whom were reportedly armed with knives.
According to a witness, identified only as Sunday, the situation escalated from a verbal argument to a violent altercation, during which Markus was allegedly stabbed in the neck.
The attack caused widespread panic in the area, prompting residents, traders, and fellow operators to flee as violence ensued.
A security operative stated, “We received a distress call and immediately mobilized to the scene to assess the situation and prevent further escalation.”
Law enforcement officials confirmed that two individuals—the tricycle rider and his younger brother—have been arrested and are in custody while investigations continue.
Markus was transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been taken to the hospital’s mortuary.
In response to the incident, armed security personnel, along with a police patrol vehicle, have been deployed to Angwan Kassa to maintain order and prevent further disturbances.
As of this report, the Taraba State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, and investigations are ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
