BREAKING: Riot erupts in major parts of Abuja as taxi drivers go on rampage

macfranc007 November 08, 2017 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Jerrywright Ukwu

- The city center of Nigeria's capital, Abuja is witnessing heavy vehicular traffic at the moment

- Taxi drivers are said to have taken over major roads in the metropolis to protest over constant harassment by task force officials

- One of the drivers was said to have been shot by a soldier attached to the task force earlier today, Wednesday, November 8

The Federal Capital Territory is on lock-down today, Wednesday, November 8 as taxi drivers operating in the city center set up bonfires and blocked major roads due to the alleged shooting of their colleague by a soldier attached to the city's task force.

NAIJ.com gathered that the protest started from the popular Wuse market and quickly spread to other parts of the capital.

Abuja metropolis grounded by protests due to alleged task force officials harassment

The protesting taxi drivers set up bonfires in major areas of the city. Photo credit: Sahara Reporters

According to eye witness accounts, the protesters are blocking vehicles and harassing motorists driving around the market.

The protesters said a taxi driver was killed by a task force in the market on Wednesday morning.

David Johnson, one of the protesting taxi drivers, said the victim was shot by a security personnel attached to the task force.

“That is how the task force normally terrorise us,” Mr. Johnson told Premium Times.

Another protester, who identified himself as Orne, said the shot victim was not dead but was rushed to the hospital.

“We won’t take it anymore,” he said.

Police officers have been deployed to major areas in the city to calm the situation, while the market remained shut.

The incident also caused heavy vehicular traffic as drivers made u-turns to avoid being caught up in the crisis.

Recently, a Facebook post seen by NAIJ.com indicates that a girl was allegedly shot by an unidentified soldier for refusing his sexual advances towards her.

The post authored by a youth activist, Friday Bako, revealed that the girl named Simi, is a 17 year old SS1 student of GSS Sopp in Riyom local government area of Plateau state.

“She was shot on the thigh at close range by one of soldiers manning the checkpoint at Sopp because she allegedly refused his lustful advances,” Bako wrote on his Facebook wall.

People around me think I'm crazy - Nigerian female taxi driver on - NAIJ.com TV