An attempt by an angry mob to attack officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) following the death of a commercial tricycle rider on Monday along the Okaka–Mbiama Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was foiled by security operatives.
The fatal accident, which claimed the life of the rider, sparked outrage among residents and passers-by amid reports about the circumstances leading to the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the tricycle rider had allegedly picked up a passenger on the front seat of the vehicle, an act prohibited under traffic regulations.
The witnesses said FRSC officials attempted to stop the rider for the alleged traffic violation, leading to an encounter between the enforcement officers and the rider.
According to eyewitness accounts, while the rider allegedly attempted to continue his journey, an articulated truck reportedly collided with the tricycle, killing him instantly.
News of the incident spread quickly, drawing a large crowd to the scene.
Many residents, angered by the events preceding the accident, reportedly blamed the road safety officials and attempted to attack them.
The situation, however, was brought under control following the intervention of police officers and other security personnel, who prevented the crowd from assaulting the FRSC officials.
Police officers deployed to the scene fired tear gas canisters to disperse the irate crowd and restore calm, while additional security operatives were drafted to the area to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
The incident caused heavy traffic congestion along the busy Okaka–Mbiama Road, leaving motorists and commuters stranded as security personnel cleared the scene and evacuated the victim.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Road Safety Corps had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, while residents have called for calm and urged the public to await the outcome of the official investigation.
