Emeka Moses
Life Camp, Abuja, has been thrown into a lockdown following a violent clash between the Police and commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as “Okada,” at the junction in front of the Magistrate Court, close to GODAB and Paradise Estates, blocking all movement in and out of the area.
According to a post on his Facebook page, journalist, Dr Nats Odaudu, who confirmed that the affected axis was completely sealed off.
Video footage of the scene obtained from the location showed thick black smoke billowing from burning tyres and barricades set ablaze along the road, as a crowd of residents and onlookers gathered at a safe distance to observe the unfolding confrontation.
Personnel in orange safety vests, believed to be task force or security operatives, were seen at the scene amid the chaos, close to a landmark signpost for Al-Bareki Hospital near the blocked junction.
There were reports of casualties from the clash, though the figure has not been independently verified as of the time of this report.
Residents and motorists have been strongly advised to avoid the Life Camp axis until calm is restored, with efforts ongoing to ascertain the immediate cause of the confrontation and the full extent of the damage.
