Police restore calm after roadblock disturbance in Jalingo
Traffic Disruption in Jalingo Resolved, Police Report
The Taraba State Police Command has announced the restoration of normal traffic conditions in the Roadblock area of Jalingo, following a disruption Tuesday that involved a collision between two commercial tricycles.
According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, the incident began when a tricycle rider allegedly tried to evade a police checkpoint after noticing officers on duty. Initial investigations revealed that the rider drove against the flow of traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with another tricycle that was using the roadway legally.
A female passenger in one of the tricycles sustained injuries and required medical attention. The crash incited protests among some tricycle operators, who, along with a group identified as miscreants, blocked the road, causing significant traffic congestion and public disorder.
In response to the disturbance, various security agencies mobilized a joint team, including the Violent Crime Response Unit, Mobile Police Unit 14 Jalingo, GRA Division, Area Command Jalingo, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services. This team successfully dispersed the crowd with minimal force.
The police reported that the injured passenger was promptly transported to a medical facility and is currently receiving treatment. Traffic flow has since resumed, and the situation in the area is reported to be calm. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and law enforcement is maintaining surveillance to deter further disruptions.
The police urged road users, particularly commercial tricycle operators, to adhere to traffic regulations and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. Residents were also encouraged to cooperate with security agencies in efforts to maintain peace and public order throughout the state.
