Protesting Tanker drivers block Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for 13 hours

Tanker drivers blocked the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at Ogere-Remo at 11pm on Wednesday, leaving commuters stranded for about 13 hours.

They were protesting the alleged unprovoked attack on a tanker by a policeman.

It was gathered that some policemen shot the three tyres of a tanker, marked JIGAWA XC 405 DUT, which was loaded with fuel.

Ogun police spokesman Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi said: “We understand that a policeman attached to a VIP shot at the tyres of a fuel tanker. I am telling you authoritatively that the policeman is not from the Ogun Command.

“In their usual manner, other drivers blocked the road to show solidarity. The police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abdulkadir, swung into action immediately.

“We engaged them in negotiations and they have agreed to take their tankers off the road as you can observe now.”

Adejobi said the command gathered that the policeman and the person he was escorting were coming from Lagos when the incident occurred.

As at the time of filing this report, the tanker, whose tyres were deflated, was still blocking Lagos-Ibadan lane.
Other tankers drivers were already removing their trucks from the Ibadan-Lagos lane.
One of the tanker drivers, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “It will take a lot of time to fix even one tyre, because of the fuel in the tanker.”

Ogun Sector Commander of the Federal road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mr. Ayobami Omiyale said he had instructed motorists on both axis to make use of alternative routes.

Ayobami led FRSC officers in controlling traffic when the Ibadan-Lagos lane was opened at about 11:20am.