As violence continues between factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun state, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has suspended the activities of all transport unions across the state with immediate effect.
Addressing a press conference on behalf of the state chairman, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, ALGON Vice Chairman, Olanrewaju Balogun, announced that the suspension, which affects all public motor parks, includes motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (keke) unions.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to immediately take control of all public parks to prevent a total breakdown of law and order, stating that the drastic measure became necessary to curb the deteriorating security situation in Osun.
ALGON said the ongoing leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has been accompanied by various criminal activities, severely endangering the lives of commuters, transport operators, and the general public, saying motor parks and garages have increasingly become flashpoints for relentless violence and killings.
The association also expressed deep regret over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s handling of the crisis, accusing him of appearing either incapable of addressing the situation or unwilling to take decisive action against the perpetrators of the violence.
“You are all aware of the recent wave of violence in Osogbo, allegedly linked to the factional chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle. This includes the tragic killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man who is currently receiving medical treatment. These incidents have triggered reprisal attacks and repeated invasions of motor parks by security agencies in search of suspected criminals.
“Our motor parks have gradually become criminal hideouts and are no longer safe for the public. Consequently, people are beginning to lose confidence in the park and garage system, which remains the primary means of transportation across the state.
“While we are still grappling with these security challenges, another protest erupted today in motor parks and garages across the state, creating tension and panic before the timely intervention of the Nigeria Police Force,” ALGON said.