A deadly clash among commercial tricycle (keke NAPEP) operators in Angwan Kassa, Jalingo, Taraba State, left a 29-year-old man dead on Wednesday after a dispute over a mandatory daily operational pass escalated into violence. The victim, identified as Jessy Markus, was a key figure in the tricycle riders’ union, responsible for issuing the daily passes required for operators to begin work. The incident unfolded when Markus stopped a rider who had failed to obtain the pass, demanding payment before allowing him to continue operations. The rider reportedly abandoned his tricycle and left the scene, only to return later with his younger brother and several armed associates.
Eyewitnesses, including a man named Sunday, described how the situation quickly turned violent. “The rider came back with his younger brother and others, some of whom were armed with knives,” Sunday recounted. What began as a verbal argument soon turned physical, with Markus allegedly stabbed in the neck during the confrontation. The attack triggered widespread panic in the community, forcing residents, traders, and other tricycle operators to flee the area as chaos erupted.
Security operatives responded swiftly to the scene after receiving a distress call. “We mobilized immediately to assess the situation and prevent further escalation,” said a security official who requested anonymity for safety reasons. Police sources confirmed that two suspects—the rider and his younger brother—were arrested and are currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
Markus was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jalingo, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary. In response to the violence, armed security personnel, backed by a police Hilux patrol vehicle, were deployed to Angwan Kassa to restore calm and prevent any further unrest. The Taraba State Police Command has yet to release an official public statement on the incident as of the time of reporting.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within commercial transport unions in Nigeria, where disputes over operational rules and revenue collection often lead to violent confrontations. As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting justice for the slain operator and clarity on how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
Leave a Comment