Truck Drivers Attack NPA Security Official at Tin Can Island Port

By DAPO OLAWUNI

There was pandemonium at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos yesterday as irate mob of truck drivers allegedly unbleached an attack on a port security official of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) who trying to control movement of trucks into the port.

DAILY TREND NEWS gathered exclusively that trouble started at about 3.45pm yesterday when a motor boy, apparently not satisfied with the slow movement of the trucks into the port, attacked the NPA official.

According to eye witnesses, the NPA official retaliated by hitting the driver with a club on the head. The driver was reportedly rushed to the hospital, while angry truckers pounced on the NPA staff.

Other truck drivers in a mad rush started pelting the security personnel with stones and pebbles, driving them away from their duty post.

The drivers also burnt down the container office of NPA at the Tin Can first gate port entry point.

Mobile Police officers were subsequently drafted to the scene to restore law and order. The officers shot sporadically in the air, and dispersed the crowd with teargas cannisters.

Those leaving the Port had to raise their two hands before being allowed to exit the port premises.

While confirming the incident to DAILY TREND NEWS, General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communication of NPA, Eng Adams Jatto some drivers and motor boys had attacked an NPA security officer at Tin Can First gate truck entry point while controlling truck movement into the port.

He said the drivers also burnt down the container office at entry point.

According to him “Armed Mopol were quickly drafted to the gate and were able to repel the angry truck drivers. NPA Firemen were able to attend to the fire promptly”

There was no life lost during the incident. The driver that started the problem only sustained injuries. He was taken to Apapa Medical Centre and later discharged yesternight. He is presently with the PAP (Port Authority Police)

“The affected NPA security officer was equally given medical attention at Apapa Medical Centre and was discharged yesternight too” he said

Jatto further confirmed that arrangements are presently ongoing to charge the arrested suspects to court.