21st July, 2011
The Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has dissociated itself from Monday’s unrest in Agbado in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.
There were reports that members of the union caused disturbance in the area on Monday, during which some people were wounded and vehicles destroyed.
In a statement in Lagos, the state secretary of the union, Comrade Akin James blamed the mayhem on some disgruntled elements within the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Comrade James stated that the mayhem emanated from Ilo in Sango area of Ogun State “when some members of RTEAN allegedly led by one Sogunro and Alfa stormed our park at Agbado and forcefully demanded money from our men. Those who failed to comply with their demand were thoroughly beaten.”
He lamented that the attack on the motor park caught members of his union unaware, hence the casualties recorded.
He called on the law enforcement agencies to investigate the attack on the drivers at the park with the intention to punish the culprits.
He explained that the RTEAN has no park along the Lagos-Abeokuta axis where the mayhem took place. “We are in control of parks in the affected area. RTEAN has no park in the area but we are surprised that we were accused of being the brain behind the mayhem. We are the victims, as our men lost their property and other valuables,” he added.