A dispute among commercial tricycle (keke NAPEP) operators at Angwan Kassa in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, turned deadly on Wednesday after a violent confrontation left a 29-year-old man dead.
The deceased, identified as Jessy Markus, was reportedly responsible for issuing the daily operational pass required by members of the commercial tricycle riders’ union before commencing daily operations.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when Markus stopped a commercial tricycle rider who allegedly failed to obtain the mandatory daily pass. He reportedly insisted that the rider purchase the pass before continuing his operations.
“The rider abandoned his tricycle at the scene and left, only to return later accompanied by his younger brother and several associates. Some members of the group were armed with knives,” the witness who identified himself as Sunday said.
What started as a heated argument quickly escalated into a violent confrontation during which Markus was allegedly stabbed in the neck.
The attack sparked panic across Angwan Kassa, forcing residents, traders, and fellow tricycle operators to flee the area as violence erupted.
“We received a distress call and immediately mobilized to the scene to assess the situation and prevent further escalation,” said a security operative who requested pen protection.
Police sources confirmed that two suspects, the tricycle rider and his younger brother were arrested and are currently in custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“Markus was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary,” the security source said.
Following the incident, armed security personnel, supported by a police Hilux patrol vehicle, were deployed to Angwan Kassa to maintain law and order and prevent any breakdown of peace.
As of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Police Command had not issued an official public statement on the incident, while investigations remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
One killed as dispute among motorcycle operators turns deadly in Taraba