Four hundred and eighty constables of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Osun State, have said commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, were snatching their wives due to over 18 months unpaid salaries.
The protesters, who were recruited to complement the conventional police in maintaining security in the state, stormed Oke-Fia Junction in Osogbo and moved down to the popular Olaiya Intersection.
They lamented that the government has failed to pay them for 18 months since after the completion of their training in May, 2021, hence, they could no longer take care of their families.
The protesters who dressed in black police uniform, carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Pay our salary now”, “Okada riders are sleeping with our wives”, “Pay us our 18 months’ salary” and “Pay us our stipends and allowances”.
Speaking with newsmen, Constable Tijani Adewale said despite the fact that they had not been paid they were committed to their duties, noting that no few than three constables had died in the course of discharging their duties.
Addressing the protesters, the Commissioner of Police, Adewale Olokode, ordered them to stop the protest with immediate effect, assuring them that the authority in charge would see to their matter.
The CP told them: “You are embarrassing the force with your protest; you should have channeled your grievances to the appropriate quarters. It’s just like you are disturbing public peace with your protest.
“As far as you are wearing this uniform we expect you to maintain high discipline as force men.”