The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a commercial bus driver, Fwinbe Thomas, by hoodlums suspected to be motorcyclists, also known as Okada riders, whose activities had been banned in the metropolis.

According to reports, the victim grazed a motorcycle rider with his vehicle while driving home after the close of work on Monday.

However, the hoodlums, angered by the incident, allegedly chased the driver with their motorcycles and attacked him along Tudun Wada Ring Road in Jos, leading to his death.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the police spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, condemned the killing, saying the deceased sustained multiple injuries on his head.

Mr Alfred said the hoodlums damaged the deceased’s Suzuki mini bus with Reg. No.: KWK 536 XA.

“The victim is suspected to have been cruelly beaten to death by some hoodlums, suspected to be commercial motorcyclists popularly known as ‘Okada Riders’ whose operation in Jos metropolis/Bukuru metropolis is illegal.

“Photographs of the victim were taken, the vehicle was towed to the station, and the body of the victim was taken to the Plateau Specialist Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy,” he said.

He assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Mr Thomas’ killers, adding that the state police commissioner had also called for calm.

“The Plateau Police boss also sends a stern warning to executors of ‘jungle justice’ to desist from such lawlessness as the command under his watch will not spare any person found culpable of such inhuman act.

“He emphasised the need for citizens to allow law enforcement agencies to take charge of such cases instead of taking laws into their own hands,” Mr Alfred stated.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, is planning a meeting with directors and other departmental heads to find a middle ground to avoid a repeat of the incident.