6th June, 2011
Following the fracas between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday, Governor Ajibola Ajimobi has summoned a meeting of security officials to discuss the development.
No fewer than 10 members of the union were reportedly killed during the fighting between members loyal to the two leaders of the union, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, alias Auxilliary and Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, alias Tokyo.
The meeting, holding at the Agodi secretariat, has in attendance top officers of the various security agencies. All the gates leading to the secretariat were closed and some public servants were prevented from resuming in their offices.
Armed mobile policemen have also been deployed to Ojoo area of Ibadan where the clash started.
Also, dozens of commuter bus drivers in Ibadan have staged a peaceful protest across major streets of the state, calling on the government to do something about the clashes.
The protesters were at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, where they made their grievances known to him. In his response, Oba Odulana advised them to be peaceful and present their case to the governor.
The protesters who condemned the killing and maiming of members, later moved to the governor’s office but were denied entry by security officials.
Ibadan, the state capital was thrown into turmoil yesterday when the two factions fought for the control of the motor parks in the state. Over 40 commuter buses and more than 30 shops located in around Iwo motor parks were burnt during the clash.
Meanwhile, Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, has called for the redeployment of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police.
According to Falana: “The flow of blood in Ibadan has to stop before the city is swept away. The security apparatus in Ibadan should be reorganised.
“The commissioner has to be redeployed now as the police command under him cannot halt the reckless murder of innocent people by political thugs being paraded as road transport unionists.â€