Tragic Incident: Keke Maruwa Operator Died Amid Dispute Over N400 Levy.
In a distressing turn of events, a disagreement over the non-payment of a daily N400 levy between a member of the revenue task force and a tricycle operator culminated in tragedy on Wednesday in Sapele, Delta State.
Reports indicate that during the altercation, the ticket collector, known as Tunde or Osama, engaged in a physical altercation with the tricycle operator, Augustine Williams. As tensions escalated, Tunde allegedly grabbed Augustine by the neck, resulting in his collapse. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Augustine was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Witnesses recounted that the confrontation began when Tunde attempted to confiscate the tricycle operator’s key, sparking a heated argument that quickly turned violent.
Ese Agbamitor, a fellow commercial tricyclist, expressed sorrow over the incident, highlighting the persistent harassment and assaults faced by operators at the hands of revenue task force members.
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However, the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA, Sapele Chapter, swiftly distanced itself from the tragic event. In a statement issued by the union’s vice chairman, Destiny Uhria, it was emphasized that the individual responsible for the Keke rider’s death was not affiliated with their association or the task force.
Uhria clarified that the incident occurred before the association had initiated any enforcement activities against defaulters.
Confirming the arrest of a suspect, DSP Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, assured that the investigation was underway.
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