Commercial Motorcyclists Protest Rocks Calabar-Ikom Highway

Commercial motorcyclists on Tuesday barricaded the Calabar-Ikom Highway and several adjoining roads in Cross River State, protesting the alleged seizure of motorcycles and what they described as persistent harassment by security operatives. The protest caused massive traffic congestion, stranded hundreds of commuters and disrupted business activities around the busy 8 Miles axis of Calabar.

Key Highlights

• Commercial motorcyclists blocked the Calabar-Ikom Highway in protest.
• Riders alleged persistent harassment and seizure of motorcycles by security operatives.
• Traffic was brought to a standstill, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
• Businesses around the 8 Miles area were disrupted.
• Eyewitnesses alleged some riders sustained injuries while fleeing enforcement operations.
• Police had earlier announced the impoundment of vehicles for various traffic-related offences.

Eyewitnesses told The Trumpet that the protest was triggered by growing frustration among commercial motorcycle operators, who accused police officers and military personnel of routinely confiscating motorcycles during enforcement operations.

According to one eyewitness, several riders have sustained injuries while attempting to escape from security operatives allegedly pursuing them to seize their motorcycles.

“The protest is because of the constant seizure of bikes. Most of them get injured while trying to escape because the police always pursue them and collect their motorcycles.

“Today they decided to block the roads to express their anger,” the eyewitness said.

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The protest resulted in a complete shutdown of vehicular movement along the highway, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes while commuters remained stranded for several hours.

Residents also alleged that the demonstration turned violent in some areas, with some angry protesters reportedly vandalising vehicles and other properties.

The development heightened tension within the affected communities as security agencies monitored the situation to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.

Earlier, the police had announced the impoundment of several vehicles and motorcycles for alleged traffic and other offences, stating that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had yet to issue an official statement on the protest or respond to the allegations made by the commercial motorcyclists.