5th June, 2011
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Adisa Baba Bolanta today in Ibadan confirmed that four persons were burnt to death in a bus and seventeen injured in a fracas that broke out last night between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport (NURTW). The bloody clash occurred at Iwo Road, Ibadan, Capital of Oyo State.
The injured are now receiving treatment at the University College Hospital, he said. He also announced the arrest of over 100 suspects.
Alhaji Bolanta promised to deal decisively with the sponsors of the crisis stressing that it is time to stop NURTW members terrorizing innocent people in the state especially in the state capital.
According to people living in Iwo road, the clash started around 11pm yesterday when they suddenly heard sporadic gun shots .
The Iwo Road residents stated that they were gripped with fear as the clash continued till about 8 a.m today stressing that no one could sleep throughout the night while the bloody clash lasted.
The Pastor of The Apostolic Faith, Idi- Ape, Pastor Adegboyega who lamented the incessant clashes between factions of NURTW in Iwo Road declared two hours prayers for the state making the church to close its service at 3pm today.
According to him, it was God that saved every soul that passed through Iwo road in the morning as they saw the hoodlum clashing.“This is the sign of the end time. If we think that things will be improving it is a lie. I want to tell all of us to be well prepared because Jesus can come at any time. I don’t fear death.
If anyone heard the gun shots today, one will know that there is a problem in the town. The shooting started around 11pm. When I was coming, I had to take different shortcuts to avoid the attack. Thank God, myself and my family arrived church on time. The children of God should be praying nowâ€.
By Gbenro Adesina/ibadan
