Tension rose in Kano as operatives of the Kano State Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA) engaged in a clash with tricycle riders on Zaria Kano Close, Kofar Nasarawa Bridge.
The incident resulted in a temporary halt of traffic, leaving commuters stranded as the clash escalated and louts attacked people indiscriminately.
Two persons have been allegedly injured while passersby ran helter-skelter for safety.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the confrontation unfolded when a team of KAROTA operatives attempted to stop an erring tricycle rider, who, instead of complying, continued moving.
The situation quickly escalated as KAROTA officials attempted to immobilize the tricycle, resulting in damage to the vehicle and an alleged injury to a passenger.
The incident triggered a swift reaction from fellow tricycle riders who gathered at the KAROTA office near the scene of the altercation.
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“The tricycle riders just kept dropping passengers at the scene to support their member. It took the arrival of the police to bring the situation under control,” an eyewitness, who simply Identified himself as Sani told Daily Trust correspondent.
Tricycle riders and KAROTA operatives have been at loggerheads over alleged highhandedness of the former.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in July, changed the leadership of the agency in an effort to reposition it and bring changes to its operations.
When contacted, KAROTA Spokesman, Nabilusi Abubakar Kofar Naisa, confirmed the incident, saying that police had been informed and were investigating the matter.
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“We were informed of the altercation between tricycle riders and KAROTA today (Tuesday). We informed the police and they took charge of the situation.
“They’ll investigate and report to us and the findings will be made public. If it’s our operatives that are found wanting, they’ll be punished accordingly. If it’s the tricycle rider that has done wrong, he will also be punished accordingly to serve as a deterrent.”