By Bukola Olamona
The Ondo State Police Command has refuted claims that a traffic disruption along the Lagos-Ore-Benin Expressway was triggered by alleged extortion of motorists by police officers, insisting that the reports are inaccurate and misleading.
The command stated that findings from its preliminary investigation indicated that the incident resulted from the actions of a tanker driver who obstructed a section of the highway after a disagreement with police personnel carrying out their legitimate duties.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command explained that the obstruction caused a temporary gridlock on the busy route and affected the movement of commuters.
It stressed that the incident was unrelated to any protest against police extortion, contrary to reports circulating on some media platforms, and maintained that no unlawful conduct was committed by its officers.
To prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure the safety of road users, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Felix Ohagwu, ordered the deployment of additional security operatives and traffic management personnel to the area.
The command further disclosed that it was working with relevant stakeholders to remove the obstruction and restore normal vehicular movement on the expressway.
While appealing for calm, the police urged the public to disregard what it described as false reports and rely on official sources for accurate information and updates on the situation.