The Executive Secretary of NARTO, Mr Aloga Ogbogo, said the violent tactics often employed by these hoodlums usually escalate to physical assaults, as drivers are beaten up, trucks vandalised, and valuable cargo sometimes stolen.

“On average, we counted close to about 40 to 45 drivers annually. Some die instantly, while others succumb to their injuries later. The ones that died instantly were close to about 20 to 25. Then, some go to the hospital and subsequently die,” Ogbogo said.

Explaining further, he said when the hoodlums approach the drivers, they get on the trucks and start attacking the drivers, “asking for money and distracting you.

“Sometimes they even go ahead to pull the gasoline supply to the trucks to ensure that the truck comes to a standstill. When that happens, it causes unnecessary hold-ups, because the truck would block the road.”

Ogbogo continued, “They (hoodlums) break the windscreen of the truck, attack the driver; and bring the vehicle to a halt. These activities are negatively impacting the trucking business and the drivers.”

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