Tricycle operators have commenced an indefinite strike in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, over what they termed as ‘extortion’ by officials of Yobe State Road Traffic Management Agency, YOROTA.
The strike action has left commuters stranded and businesses disrupted.
Chairman of Tricycle Riders Association, Damaturu Branch, Mohammed Inusa, who confirmed the development, said members of the association embarked on the strike action unilaterally without the association’s green light.
“This morning we heard that our members have commenced strike, but we were not consulted prior to this action and this contravened our rules and regulations”, he said.
It was gathered that YOROTA is allegedly extorting payment of daily fees from the tricycle operators as well as ordering for fresh registration by every rider as failure to do so attracts N7,000 fine.
As of the time of filling this report, it was observed that tricycle operators had deserted all major and inner roads within the metropolis an indication that the issue has not been resolved
Efforts made to reach YOROTA’s Public Relations Officer for comments proved abortive.
