Two officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, sustained severe injuries after being attacked by tricycle riders and hoodlums while on duty in Ibadan.
The assault, which involved iron rods, stones, and sticks, occurred near the Water Corporation gate.
According to eyewitnesses, the OYRTMA officers had impounded a commercial tricycle obstructing traffic and were transporting it to the Agodi Gate command unit when a group of tricycle operators and suspected hoodlums ambushed them. The officers were saved from further harm when a good Samaritan intervened, allowing them to escape the angry mob. The injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment at the state clinic in the Secretariat, Ibadan.
OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), confirmed that seven suspects had been arrested in connection with the assault. Condemning the attack, Adesagba stated, “It’s disheartening that our officers, who work tirelessly to ensure orderliness on our roads, are subjected to such brutality.”
He assured the public that OYRTMA would remain undeterred in carrying out its mandate, adding, “The perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.”
The suspects have since been arraigned at Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on assault charges. Each was granted bail with one surety and a bond of ₦100,000; however, they were remanded to Agodi Prison after failing to meet bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until November 17, 2024.