There was tension along Zaria-Kano highway as protesting tanker drivers blocked the road following alleged killing of their colleague by a soldier.

It was learnt that the incident happened around 3:30 pm on Wednesday when the protesting drivers blocked the highway and caused gridlock on the busy road for hours.

It couldn’t be ascertained what led to the altercation between the soldier attached to a construction company and the late driver.

However, it was gathered that the incident occurred near Tashar Yari in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Confirming the blockage of the road by the protesting drivers and the killing of the driver, acting Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Lawal Garba said other security agencies had been contacted to help resolve the situation to open the highway for stranded motorists.

“The blockage of the road started after a soldier attached to the construction company working on the road was alleged to have shot a tanker driver following a misunderstanding. The tanker drivers then blocked the road completely in protest.

“I have contacted Director of DSS, Police Commissioner and the NURTW. I also informed the State Director Internal Security of the situation. We are working to resolve the situation,” he said.

It was also gathered that the suspect was already in the military custody.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mohammed Jalige, who confirmed the incident said the state Commissioner of Police, Yekini Ayoku, had ordered investigation into the matter. (Daily Trust)