Five officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) were on Monday, March 23, injured, while several operational vehicles were damaged, following a violent clash which erupted at Soka Junction in Ibadan during the enforcement of the state’s QR-coded jacket policy on commercial motorcyclists.
The confrontation, which reportedly involved aggrieved riders, disrupted traffic flow in the area and raised fresh concerns over resistance to the ongoing regulatory exercise.
The enforcement team, set up by the Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), had earlier commenced operations in the early hours of the day, departing the agency’s administrative headquarters at about 8:15 a.m. for the Olodo axis.
During the initial phase of the exercise, several non-compliant okada riders were apprehended, while compliance checks were successfully carried out in the Orita-Aperin and Olomi areas.
Trouble, however, began at about 11:10 a.m. when the team arrived at Soka Junction.
Officials observed widespread non-compliance with the QR jacket directive and halted engaging riders, in a bid to sensitise them on the importance of the policy.
While some groups within the park responded positively to the engagement, resistance soon emerged, allegedly instigated and led by the Unit Chairman of the park, with the situation escalating into violence.
An OYRTMA officer was reportedly struck in the chest, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries when a group of riders launched an attack on the officials, hurling stones and wooden planks.
Personnel of the Amotekun Corps, who accompanied the team as security backup, were also attacked and temporarily disarmed.
The violent confrontation, which forced the enforcement team to withdraw from the scene, also resulted in severe damage of four operational vehicles belonging to the agency.
As at the time of filing this report, three injured personnel remained hospitalised, while others were treated for minor injuries.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba (rtd), strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on constituted authority.”
“Our officers were on lawful duty to enforce a government policy designed to ensure security, accountability, and proper regulation of commercial motorcycle operations across Oyo State.
“It is deeply unfortunate that they were met with such violent resistance.”
Adekoya further emphasised that the QR jacket initiative is aimed at improving public safety, curbing criminal activities, and creating a reliable identification system for okada riders.
“We will not be deterred by acts of violence. The enforcement will continue, and those responsible for this attack will be identified and brought to justice,” he added.
He also called on stakeholders, including transport unions and community leaders, to support the government’s efforts and educate their members on the importance of compliance.
Security agencies have reportedly been notified, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
