Panic in Osogbo as NURTW Factions Clash Over Motor Parks

… Video Inside Story

By Omidiran Seun

There was panic in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Monday as violence reportedly erupted at the Old Garage and Ilesa Garage motor parks over control of parks, forcing traders to shut shops and residents to scamper for safety.

Eyewitnesses said gunshots were heard around Old Garage in the early hours of Monday, as rival transport workers clashed, disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement.

The incident is linked to a lingering leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Osun State.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the disruption of public peace, alleging that one Asiri Eniba and his group masterminded the attacks.

Adeleke expressed concern over viral videos showing sporadic shooting and alleged that police operatives provided cover for the group during the parade across motor parks.

“The video of sporadic shooting by Asiri and his gang is everywhere on social media. Lorry loads of policemen accompanied Asiri and his group as they paraded across motor parks in the state,” the governor said.

He disclosed that he has drawn the attention of the Inspector General of Police and other security chiefs to the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of Asiri Eniba for alleged violation of the Public Security Act.

Governor Adeleke also warned that his administration may review its support for the Nurudeen Alowonle-led NURTW in the state and revert to the Park Management System if the disorder continues.

Meanwhile, members of a faction of the NURTW on Monday staged protests across major motor parks in Osogbo, passing a vote of no confidence on the factional state chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.

The protesters, who began demonstration as early as 6:30 a.m., carried placards and accused Alowonle of constituting a security threat and disrupting transportation business in the state.

Factional Secretary of the union, Alhaji Fatai Oyegoke, alleged that Alowonle and one Sikiru Oyeniyi, also known as Ado Igbona, were behind recent killings including that of one Adelodun Olamilekan Lateef, a development he said has triggered retaliatory attacks across motor parks.

“We can no longer do our business, and that is our only means of livelihood,” Oyegoke said, calling on the police to secure motor parks and guarantee safety of transport workers and commuters.

Also speaking, the Director of Mobilisation of the Local Government Development Initiative, LGDI, Comrade Omololu Abidoye, said the peace and security of Osun should take precedence over union politics and called for thorough investigation into the alleged killings.

As at the time of filing this report, police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while calm has reportedly returned to the affected areas