Tension ran high in Kano State today as irate residents set a tricycle, locally known as Keke Napep, on fire after accusing its driver of being involved in criminal activities, including phone snatching and operating a "one chance" robbery scheme.
The incident took place in the bustling neighborhood of Sabon Gari, where the alleged actions of the driver sparked outrage among locals.According to eyewitnesses, the driver, whose identity remains unknown, was accused of using the tricycle as part of a notorious "one chance" gang—a term used to describe individuals who pose as legitimate drivers but, instead, use their vehicles to rob unsuspecting passengers. Residents allege that the man had been using the Keke Napep to lure passengers, only to steal their phones and belongings once they were inside.
A crowd quickly gathered, confronting the driver after allegedly catching him in the act of attempting to snatch a phone from a passenger. In a desperate attempt to escape the mob’s wrath, the driver fled the scene on foot, leaving his tricycle behind. Angered by his escape, the residents, who had already grown weary of similar incidents in the area, set the tricycle on fire in retaliation.
"I saw him trying to take a woman's phone after picking her up. As soon as people noticed, they quickly surrounded him, but he ran off. The Keke was then set on fire as punishment for what he did," an eyewitness told reporters.
This incident has raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of criminal activities involving commercial tricycles in Kano, especially in busy areas where they are commonly used as a mode of transportation. The rising number of reported robberies, particularly phone snatching, has left many residents on edge, prompting calls for tighter regulation and monitoring of tricycle operations.
Authorities are yet to confirm the allegations, but security forces have been dispatched to the area to investigate the incident. The local police have urged residents to avoid taking matters into their own hands and to report criminal activities to the appropriate authorities.
As investigations continue, residents have called for increased patrols and awareness campaigns to help curb the rise in criminal activities linked to tricycles in the region.
The story has sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many calling for stronger actions against criminal elements and urging for the protection of innocent tricycle operators who may become victims of mob violence. As for the driver, his whereabouts remain unknown as of now.
