Police Pay ₦310,000 to Truck Drivers After Protest Blocks Bauchi–Jos Road

Truck drivers on Friday caused a major disruption along the busy Bauchi–Jos highway after staging a protest at the Miri axis of Bauchi metropolis. The demonstration followed an incident in which a colleague’s truck tyre was reportedly damaged during an encounter with revenue enforcement officials.

According to reports, the affected driver was approaching Bauchi from Jos when officers attached to the Federal Government haulage enforcement unit allegedly placed a metal road-blocking device in his path. This action occurred after the driver failed to stop for routine revenue inspection, resulting in the damage to his vehicle’s tyre.

The incident immediately sparked anger among fellow truck drivers, who viewed the situation as unfair treatment. In solidarity, they blocked the highway, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill and significantly disrupting traffic flow along the important inter-state route.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the development through its spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in an official statement released on Friday. He explained that the protest was triggered by frustration over the damaged tyre and concerns about the conduct of revenue enforcement officers.

To restore calm, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, CSP Holman Simon, arrived at the scene alongside CSP Abdulrazak Padah, the Officer in Charge of Operation Restore Peace (ORP). The senior officers immediately engaged the protesting drivers in dialogue, carefully listening to their grievances and assuring them of a peaceful resolution.

Following discussions, CSP Simon personally paid the sum of ₦310,000 to the affected driver to enable him to replace the damaged tyre. This gesture helped ease tensions and led to the voluntary dispersal of the protesters. Normal traffic flow was subsequently restored along the Bauchi–Jos road.

The police command also disclosed that two individuals were arrested in connection with the breach of public peace during the protest. Investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in the disturbance.

Commending the swift intervention, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani Omolori, praised CSP Holman Simon for his calm, professional, and diplomatic handling of the situation. He also expressed appreciation to residents of Bauchi State for their patience and cooperation, reaffirming the police command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.