Worshippers trapped in churches in Abuja as commercial motorcyclists protest colleague’s death

Etim Effiong

There is confusion in the Karu area of Abuja as many Christians have been trapped in churches following the death of a commercial motorcyclist.

The commercial motorcyclists in their hundreds, however, took to the streets to protest the death of their colleague by burning unused vehicle tyres on the roads and using planks, tree branches, and other impediments to block the streets.

It was learnt that the protesters molest innocent passers-by, destroy vehicles, houses, billboards, shops, in the area worth millions of naira.

It was gathered that the violent protest started around 11 am on Sunday, May 9, 2021. It led to churches in the area to lock their gate, as well as issuing a strong warning to their members not to come out for fear of being attacked.

Meanwhile, police operatives have been deployed to the area, however, the protesters are said to be hauling stones and other missiles at them.

When the violence became too much, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQG), Major-General Dahiru, deployed soldiers to the area to bring the situation under control.

Residents of Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo, Karshi among other towns are trapped as residents and motorists alike have been asked to stay clear of the route until normalcy is restored.

According to an Okada operator, the death of one of their colleagues led to the protest. He alleged that a policeman shot an Okada rider, and when they heard it, they mobilized themselves to protest the killing.

As of the time of filing this report, more security personnel have been deployed to some churches in the area. This is so that the protesters won’t attack members of the church.

The Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, ASP. Yusuf Mariam confirmed that the protest was due to the death of an Okada rider. She, however, said that the police are doing everything possible to arrest the situation and restore peace to the troubled area.