By Eseoghene Emuke
The Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has apologized to stranded commuters along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway over the gridlock caused by protesting drivers owing to the alleged killing of their colleague by a policeman.
El-Rufai, however, assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and justice would be served.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, disclosed that the policeman alleged to have killed the driver has been arrested.
Tens of drivers had on Saturday morning blocked the Kaduna-Abuja highway with their vehicles to protest the killing of their colleague by a policeman.
The governor, who thanked the stranded travellers for their patience, said the gridlock has been cleared and traffic is now moving.
He described the killing of the driver as highly unfortunate, adding that the Kaduna State government would ensure that the matter was thoroughly investigated.
According to the statement, “Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who participated in clearing the gridlock that emerged after aggrieved drivers blocked the Kaduna-Abuja highway, has thanked travellers for their patience and perseverance.
“On behalf of the government, he once again commiserated with the family of the driver that was killed. Malam El-Rufai described the killing of the driver as a most unfortunate incident that must be thoroughly investigated so that justice can be done.
“He welcomed the arrest of a police officer in connection with the case, assuring that the state government is awaiting the result of the investigation.”
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Malam El-Rufai, in the statement, however, described the action of the protesting drivers as unlawful as it had led to untold hardship to innocent Nigerians travelling through the highway.
“The Governor apologised for the distress stranded commuters endured due to the road blockage. He said that the reaction of the drivers who protested the killing of their colleague by blocking the highway amounted to unlawfully inflicting distress on innocent citizens.
“The consequence of the blockage was so severe that it took several hours for the gridlock to clear, even after the barricades had been removed and the road opened.
“The Governor also commended security agencies for their efforts in clearing the blockage and protecting travellers after the unfortunate incident”, the statement added.
