Motorcycle Riders, recently engaged officials of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority, DESTMA, in a public fight over their continued alleged extortion at the Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was gathered, the fight between Okada Riders and DESTMA Officials commonly know as Okowa Police broke out a a result of the refusal of an Okada rider to part away with money allegedly demanded by the official.
According to sources, “The fight which took place between Okada Riders, Market Women and DESTMA Officials in Otovwodo was as a result of non compliance from the bike rider who refused to stop for a check by the group of men.
“The refusal of the bike man who was on motion to stop, he and the passenger were fell and they sustained injuries and their phones smashed beyond repair.
“Immediately, the bike man got up with the passenger and attacked the DESTMA official who fought back with his fellow uniform men against other bike men and marketers who later joined the fight.The source alleged.
Another source who identifies himself as to David Okohwoake who described the uniform men on navy blue said, “They are neither road Safety Officers nor Police and as such, they lack the legal right to stop and check bikes and demand for particulars.
“They are always stationed at Otovwodo and Omotor junctions waiting for motorcycle riders to arrest if their instant demands are not meant.
“If there is any law that allows them to stop and asked for particulars, do that law limit them to market places only in Ughelli or motorcycle riders only.
“It is the duties of the police to stop and demand for vehicle particulars if they suspect in thing but in this case, DESTMA Officials are taking over the duties of the police and Road Safety.
Efforts to speak with the Ughelli North DESTMA DG, Desmond Adu, was not successful as calls and terse messages sent to him were not replied nor returned as at the time of filling this report.
