Police restore order after roadblock incident in Jalingo

The Taraba State Police Command announced that normal traffic flow has been restored after a disturbance in the Roadblock area of Jalingo, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Victor Mshelizah said the incident began when a commercial tricycle rider allegedly tried to avoid a police checkpoint after spotting officers on duty.

Initial investigations revealed that the rider drove against the flow of traffic and collided head‑on with another tricycle that was lawfully using the road.

The crash left a female passenger injured and in need of medical attention.

The incident sparked anger among some tricycle operators. Together with a group described by authorities as miscreants, they blocked the road in protest, causing significant congestion and public disorder.

“Security agencies responded swiftly to the situation. A joint team comprising personnel from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), MOPOL 14 Jalingo, GRA Division, Area Command Jalingo, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) moved to the scene and dispersed the gathering,” the police said.

The Police noted that minimal force was used to restore order and confirmed that the injured passenger was transported to a medical facility where she is currently receiving treatment.

The Command said traffic has resumed and the area remains calm, while investigations into the incident continue. Security operatives are also maintaining surveillance to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

The Command urged road users, especially commercial tricycle operators, to obey traffic regulations and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

Residents were encouraged to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and public order across the state.