There was pandemonium on Thursday, in Ilorin, Kwara State, when a Nigerian police officer allegedly slapped an Air Force officer over a dispute regarding the movement of a tricycle along Ahmadu Bello Road.
An eyewitness explained that the incident started at Yoruba Road Market when officials from the Kwara State Traffic Management Authority along with police officers, stopped a tricycle carrying the Air Force officer.
The officer had pleaded with the officials to let the tricycle pass, but the plea was met with a slap from the police officer, eyewitnesses account revealed.
In response, the air force officer reportedly exited the tricycle and retaliated by beating the police officer who slapped him.
However, the altercation drew attention as tensions escalated.
The air force officer was subsequently arrested and taken to the nearby police headquarters, not far from where the incident happened.
Meanwhile, the situation worsened when his colleagues arrived at the scene, leading to further confrontation.
The sources said that the police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse them.
“A tricycle carrying an Air Force officer to Ahmadu Bello Way was stopped by officials from the Kwara State Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA), accompanied by police officers.
“The Air Force officer pleaded with them to allow them to pass, but an unidentified police officer immediately slapped him. In retaliation, the Air Force officer struck back.
“The Air Force officer has been arrested at the Kwara Police Command headquarters. The police used tear gas against the Air Force officers who came to support their colleague after the incident,” the eyewitness reported.
The eyewitness noted that the police officers were stationed at the roundabout along Sulu Gambari Road, while the Air Force officers were on Yoruba Road.
“They were throwing tear gas at the Air Force officers before they left the scene. I heard that the Air Force officers went for reinforcement. Although everything is calm now,” the source said.
Efforts made to contact the Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, were unsuccessful, as she did not answer her calls or respond to messages sent to her.
On November 9, 2024, the Kwara State Government restricted some categories of vehicles from making use of Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, Ilorin, the state capital.
The Ministry of Works and Transport directed KWARTMA to commence enforcement with immediate effect.
