Five OYRTMA officials injured as violence erupts over QR jacket enforcement in Ibadan
Five officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) sustained injuries, and several agency vehicles were damaged on Tuesday following a violent clash at Soka Junction, Ibadan, during
- By Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
Five officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) sustained injuries, and several agency vehicles were damaged on Tuesday following a violent clash at Soka Junction, Ibadan, during enforcement of the state’s QR-coded jacket policy for commercial motorcyclists.
The incident, involving aggrieved riders, disrupted traffic in the area and highlighted ongoing resistance to the regulatory exercise.
The enforcement team, established by OYRTMA Executive Chairman Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), commenced operations early in the morning, departing the agency’s headquarters around 8:15 a.m. for the Olodo axis. Initial operations saw several non-compliant riders apprehended, with compliance checks successfully carried out in Orita-Aperin and Olomi areas.
Tensions escalated around 11:10 a.m. at Soka Junction, where officials observed widespread non-compliance and sought to engage riders on the importance of the QR jacket policy. While some riders cooperated, resistance allegedly led by the Unit Chairman of the park quickly turned violent.
According to reports, a group of riders attacked the enforcement team with stones and wooden planks, leaving one officer struck in the chest and others with various injuries. Security personnel from the Amotekun Corps, accompanying the team, were also attacked and temporarily disarmed.
The confrontation forced the team to withdraw, leaving four OYRTMA vehicles severely damaged. At the time of reporting, three injured officials remained hospitalized, while others received treatment for minor injuries.
Reacting to the attack, Major Adekoya condemned the violence, describing it as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct assault on constituted authority.” He emphasized that the officers were performing lawful duties to enforce a government policy aimed at enhancing security, accountability, and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations in Oyo State.
The OYRTMA chairman reiterated that the QR jacket initiative is designed to improve public safety, curb criminal activities, and establish a reliable identification system for commercial motorcyclists.
“We will not be deterred by acts of violence. The enforcement will continue, and those responsible for this attack will be identified and brought to justice,” he added.
He also called on stakeholders, including transport unions and community leaders, to support the government’s efforts and educate their members on the importance of compliance.
Security agencies have reportedly been notified, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
