By Abasi Ita
Commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, on Tuesday blocked the Calabar Ikom Highway and several adjoining roads in Calabar, Cross River, protesting what they described as the illegal impoundment of their motorcycles by the police and persistent harassment despite a government circular permitting their operations.
The protest crippled traffic around the busy 8 Miles axis, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for several hours while business activities in the area were disrupted.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration was triggered by growing frustration among the riders, who accused police officers and other security operatives of routinely confiscating their motorcycles during routine security patrol.
A resident who witnessed the protest told our reporter that several riders had sustained injuries in previous encounters while attempting to evade security operatives pursuing them to seize their motorcycles.
”The protest is over the constant seizure of motorcycles. Many riders get injured while trying to escape because security operatives chase them and confiscate their bikes. Today they decided to block the roads to express their anger,” the eyewitness said.
The blockade brought vehicular movement on the highway to a complete standstill, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes as commuters remained stranded.
Some residents also disclosed that the protest turned violent in parts of the area, with angry demonstrators reportedly vandalising vehicles and other property.
The incident heightened tension around the affected communities as security agencies monitored the situation to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The protest came shortly after the police announced the impoundment of several vehicles and motorcycles for alleged traffic and related offences, stating that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the protest or respond to the allegations raised by the commercial motorcyclists.