The Bauchi State Police Command on Friday averted a major breach of public peace along the Bauchi–Jos Road after a Divisional Police Officer personally paid ₦310,000 to resolve a dispute that led to a road blockade by truck drivers.
The incident occurred at about 8:45 a.m. around the Miri area, when information received by the command indicated that truck drivers had blocked the busy highway in protest over a disagreement involving one of their colleagues and revenue agents.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, CSP Holman Simon, in collaboration with CSP Abdulrazak Padah, Officer in Charge of Operation Restore Peace, was immediately deployed to the scene.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a truck driver travelling from Jos to Bauchi was stopped by a federal government haulage revenue agent and asked to pay the stipulated levy. When the driver failed to stop promptly, the revenue collectors allegedly placed a blocking device in front of the truck. The driver reportedly drove over it, causing one of the truck’s tyres to burst, which led to a heated argument.
Following the incident, other truck drivers blocked the road in solidarity with their colleague, causing serious disruption to traffic on the ever-busy route.
The police said professionalism prevailed as CSP Holman engaged the aggrieved drivers, listened to their demands and personally paid the sum of ₦310,000 to the affected driver to enable him replace the damaged tyre.
After the intervention, the truck drivers dispersed peacefully and normal traffic flow was restored along the highway. The police also arrested two suspects in connection with the breach of public peace.
Commending the action, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, praised CSP Holman for his commitment to peace and also appreciated residents of Bauchi State for their continued support to the police.
The command said investigation into the incident is ongoing.
