Keke NAPEP Riders Protest Police Brutality in Jalingo

In the morning hours of 28th October 2024 in Jalingo, the group of tryciclist also known as Keke NAPEP riders came in solidarity with one of their members who is reported to have been extra judiciarily beaten up by men of the Nigerian Police force stationed at the Jonathan Goodluck flyover bridge around the road block area of Jalingo Taraba State.

In a dramatic display of frustration and desperation, the commercial tricyclists in Jalingo, took to the streets to protest alleged police brutality and molestation. The protesters, numbering in the hundreds, gathered at the Jonathan Goodluck flyover bridge, effectively blocking traffic and drawing attention to their plight.

Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with protesters chanting slogans and calling for respect for their rights. The tricyclists claim that they have been subjected to repeated harassment, intimidation, and physical abuse by law enforcement officers. They allege that police officers regularly stop them, confiscate their tricycles, and demand bribes to release them. Some officers have also assaulted them physically and verbally.

The protest has caused significant disruptions to traffic, with many commuters forced to find alternative routes. However, the tricyclists remain resolute, insisting that their demands be heard. They vow to continue protesting until something is done to address their grievances.

After quelling the upheaval with the help of men of the Nigerian Arny who are on patrol, the official of the Taraba State Command of the Nigerian Police Yunus M. Lawal has called for peace and urged the protesters to channel their grievance through the appropriate channel, he drew their attention to dangers of taken the law into their hands.

He urged the protesters to remain peaceful and cooperate men and officers of the force to find a lasting resolution. 

The Taraba State Government has been called upon to address the protesters' concerns with human right activists condemning the police brutality and called for an investigation.

Residents have mixed reactions to the protest. Some, like Emmanuel Ike, a shop owner, support the tricyclists, stating that the police have harassed them for too long. Others, like Hajiya Aisha, understand their frustration but believe blocking traffic isn't the solution.

The protest highlights the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and commercial tricyclists in Nigeria. The allegations of police brutality and molestation are disturbing and warrant immediate attention. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that the tricyclists will no longer tolerate harassment and abuse. Their voices demand to be heard, and their rights demand to be respected.

The protest also raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in Nigeria. Are the police truly serving and protecting the people, or are they perpetuating a culture of fear and intimidation? The investigation must be thorough and transparent, and those found guilty of brutality must be held accountable.

The Taraba State Government and the National Human Rights Commission must take concrete steps to address the protesters' concerns. This includes providing training for police officers on human rights and de-escalation techniques, establishing an independent review board to investigate allegations of police brutality, and ensuring that those found guilty are held accountable.

The people of Jalingo and Nigeria deserve to live without fear of harassment and brutality. The protest by Keke NAPEP riders is a call to action, a reminder that the rights of all citizens must be respected and protected.

As the situation unfolds, it is essential to remain vigilant and ensure that the protesters' demands are met. The world is watching, and it is crucial that Nigeria takes a firm stance against police brutality and molestation.