Delta government has warned that it would deal decisively with individuals or groups found disobeying the laws of the land following Monday’s protest by commercial motorcyclists in Asaba.

The director-general, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Patrick Ukah, gave the warning in a statement issued in Asaba.

The warning came on the heels of the wanton destruction of government property by protesting commercial tricyclists and motorcyclists, also known as “Okada riders”.

Mr Ukah, accompanied by the secretary to the state government, Kingsley Emu, and head of service, Reginald Bayoko, condemned the action after assessing the level of damage.

According to Mr Ukah, the protesters destroyed and vandalised the property at the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) Secretariat in Asaba.

To resolve issues leading to the rampage, the agency, he said, was relating with the office of the secretary to the state government, the leadership of COMTOA, and representatives of the Arewa Community.

He called for the residents’ patience and cooperation, reminding them that Delta was known for communal living.

Nevertheless, he warned that the state government would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found to be disobeying the laws of the land.

The immediate cause of the protest, which was later doused by the police, could not be ascertained.

It was, however, alleged that disagreement broke out between the Arewa commercial cyclists and COMTOA over ticketing.

COMTOA is the recognised body by the state government charged with the regulation and ticketing of commercial cyclists in the state.

(NAN)