By Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has denied the alleged killing of a motor boy in Ogun State Task Force Patrol Van, while on transit after his arrest for violating the curfew order of government.
This comes after truck drivers and their union executives went on a rampage by blocking roads, causing mayhem and vandalizing property at the Divisional TRACE Command, Abeokuta, as well as, the Ogun State Parking Management Office over the death of a motor boy.
The TRACE Spokeperson, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi in a statement says the motorboy in question was neither arrested by Ogun State Task Force Team nor was in its patrol vehicle where it was alleged that he fell off before his death.
Akinbiyi explains that the Task Force Team constituted by the State Government and made up of the Police, TRACE and the VIO at Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Interchange Expressway and TRACE operative was instructed to lead the truck driver to the parking lot where apprehended vehicles are parked.
He further explains that the truck driver disobeyed the Corp’s order by going to another direction, trying to escape with the uniformed TRACE operative held in captive with him in the truck.
Akinbiyi said the Ogun State Task Force Team, while pursuing the escaping truck, noticed a body along the road which was later confirmed to be the motor boy in question who had been crushed by another truck driver who was trying to evade arrest on sighting the Task Force Team along the road.
The Corps however commiserates with the family of the deceased motorboy, while registering its displeasure over the violent vandalisation and assault of the TOAN drivers.
It also reiterated that it will continue to carry out its legitimate duty and responsibility by being civil, humane, professional and firm, where need be, regardless of threats, blackmail and intimidation.