Following the alleged murder of a motorcycle operator, serious tensions have again escalated in Wukari Local Government Council of Taraba State.
The unrest erupted when the body of the victim, identified as Friday Isaac John, was discovered in a nearby village on Sunday.
Family sources, who spoke with DAILY POST, said the victim, who was a motorcycle operator before his death, was lured by two suspects under the pretext of conveying them to a location on his bike.
Piqued by the killing, the family, currently demanding justice, urged security operatives to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the suspects, currently in police custody as of this report, face the full wrath of the law.
Apart from the family members, local motorcycle riders in the council staged a peaceful protest demanding justice for their brutally murdered colleague.
The swift intervention of security agencies and the local government chairman reportedly prevented enraged youths from enacting jungle justice on the perpetrators.
Confirming the incident via WhatsApp messages, the council chairman, Agbu Samaila Dauda, said his prompt intervention helped pacify the situation.
“It’s true an okada man was killed by two Itulu boys, who were apprehended by soldiers in Wukari. When news of the killing spread, there was tension,” Dauda said.
The motorcycle riders from the council, who retrieved the deceased’s body with the army according to him, demanded the immediate release of the suspects from police custody for retribution.
The soldiers’ refusal to comply with their demands prompted the motorcycle riders to embark on a peaceful protest around the town.
The Wukari council chairman, who noted that peace had been restored following his intervention, reiterated his commitment to collaborate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the area.
“I met with the motorcycle riders, addressed them, and urged them to allow the law to take its course. Thankfully, calm has returned, and business continues as usual,” the council chairman stated.
Echoing the sentiments of the council boss, a senior police officer in Wukari assured residents that plans were underway to transfer the suspects to the state command headquarters.
The officer also assured residents that the police would ensure justice for the victim’s family and the community.
