There was chaos at Trinity, Ajegunle area of Lagos on Thursday after a policeman allegedly shot a tanker driver dead for refusing to part with N1,000.
The alleged killer cop was said to be an operative of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) posted to Ajegunle to tackle traffic robbers along the Mile Two-Apapa axis.
It was gathered that trouble started after the driver insisted he only had N500 to give the cop, who got infuriated and fired the driver.
Other drivers who witnessed the incident were said to have descended on the policeman who was fortunately rescued and whisked away by colleagues.
The policemen, who rescued the trigger-happy cop, allegedly shot in the air to scare the mob before they took their colleague away.
Not satisfied, the tanker drivers were said to have mobilised their colleagues from other parts of the state and laid siege to the road to Apapa, worsening traffic congestion.
A source said the protesters also burnt tyres on the road while hoodlums capitalised on the protest to rob and loot wares.
It was gathered that some vehicles were vandalised while businesses in the neighbourhood closed abruptly.
It was gathered that some vehicles were vandalised while businesses in the neighbourhood closed abruptly.
As people scampered to safety, it was gathered that many sustained injuries.
According to a driver, Danladi Usman, they were protesting being over extorted.
He said: “We pay N1,000 to police. We pay to officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and to local government officials and above all to area boys.
“The extortion is becoming a burden on us. If we do not have any money to pay, they make us pay with our lives. Is it a crime to be a truck driver?”
Shehu Adamu said they were tired of the reckless killings of drivers by security operatives, adding that they have vowed to oppose it.
Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) said details of the incident were still sketchy as of press time.
He said: “There was a crisis in the area and we heard that someone died in the crisis.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, has directed a full investigation into the matter and at the end of the investigation anyone found culpable will be made to face the wrath of the law. However, the outcome of the investigation will be made known to the public.”
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