E-Call Up: Police accused of mobilising hoodlums to attack Lagos traffic team

Abiola Seun

Due to inability to seek bribe on the road leading to the seaport, some uniform men suspected to be officers of the Lagos State Police command have allegedly mobilised hoodlums and truck drivers to attack members of the Lagos Traffic Management and Enforcement Team in Apapa.

It was gathered that the hoodlums and suspected police officers were angry about the e-call up system as it has cut down the huge bribe being given by truck owners before their trucks could access the seaport.

It could be recalled that a similar incident happened late last year when miscreants launched violent attack on the then men of the Presidential Task Team on Restoration of Law and Order in Apapa at Ijora, en route Apapa Wharf along Area B.

Narating the incident, an eyewitness, simply identified as Ahmed, said the incident happened around midnight on Saturday when unknown miscreants launched a surprise attack on the team.

According to Ahmed, “The incident happened around 1 a.m, when trucks were been called into the port. Suddenly, unknown hoodlums launched a surprise attack on the men of the state traffic team who were on the road to ensure adherence to call-up system operation and maintenance of road sanity.

“Sensing danger, the team took to their heels as hoodlums pursued them with various dangerous weapons such as broken bottles, batons, knives, among others.

“The hoodlums, who are being aided by policemen and some illegal truckers, subsequently, took over the road after they have succeeded in sending the traffic team away.”

It was gathered that some truckers who did not want the system to work in connivance with policemen had vowed to sabotage the new system.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Superintendent of Police, SP, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, directed our correspondent to head of the traffic team, who is also Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Olwatoyin Fayinka for confirmation.

Fayinka, however, confirmed the attack, saying that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Hakeem Odumosu had been fully briefed for further action.

While condemning the act, he said, “Our mandate is to ensure sanity in Apapa and we will not shy away from this. We will not be deterred by their antics. This mission is no retreat, no surrender.”

“We are urging all stakeholders to corporate in ensuring this arrangement achieves its set objectives, especially, elimination of traffic congestion within the ports and environs.”