Protest as Kogi tax officials beat driver to death over N500

Truck drivers yesterday locked down the everbusy Abuja/Lokoja highway over alleged killing of a driver by Kogi State tax officials who collect levies from vehicles transporting farm products.

The tax officials constituted by the were state government to collect levies from vehicles transporting farm products out of the State.

Daily Trust learnt that the officials allegedly beat up a J5 bus driver to death for failing to pay N500 levy on time.

The development was said to have angered truck drivers who blocked the highway, demanding the attention of the state governor.

The crisis resulted to total lock down leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours. The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP William Aya confirmed the development to our correspondent.

He explained that the J5 bus driver was stopped by the tax officials and asked to pay the statutory N500 charges, but an altercation ensued which resulted to the stabbing of the driver who died on the spot.

According to him, the development angered other commercial drivers who blocked the highway, causing traffic gridlock.

He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ede Ayuba later brokered a peace meeting between the tax officials, drivers, and the family of the victim, where he appealed for calm.

He also disclosed that the deceased driver has been buried by the family.

He also said some of those directly involved in the incident have been arrested, while normalcy has been restored in the area.