Chaos in Ilorin as Air Force officer, police clash over tricycle stop

A tense altercation unfolded in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, between a Nigerian police officer and an Air Force officer, halting traffic along Ahmadu Bello Road.

The incident stemmed from a dispute over the movement of a tricycle.

The confrontation began at Yoruba Road Market, where officers from the Kwara State Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA), assisted by police, stopped a tricycle carrying an Air Force officer. Eyewitnesses said the officer asked to be allowed to pass, but his request allegedly resulted in a slap from one of the police officers, triggering the altercation.

“The Air Force officer got off the tricycle and retaliated by striking the police officer who slapped him,” an eyewitness told SaharaReporters.

The situation quickly escalated, drawing a crowd and creating tension in the area. The Air Force officer was arrested and taken to the nearby police headquarters. The tension worsened when fellow Air Force officers arrived on the scene, which led to further clashes between the two parties.

As the altercation grew more intense, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

An eyewitness shared, “The tricycle, carrying an Air Force officer, was stopped by KWATMA officials and police officers. The officer asked for permission to proceed, but a police officer slapped him. In retaliation, the Air Force officer hit back.”

“The Air Force officer was arrested at the Kwara Police Command headquarters, and police used tear gas against other Air Force officers who came to his support. The situation calmed after they left the scene,” the witness added.

The altercation occurred near the roundabout along Sulu Gambari Road, while the Air Force officers were stationed on Yoruba Road. Despite initial tensions, the area was reported to be calm by the end of the day.