Transport Unionists In Bloody Clash In Ibadan

 It was a bloody clash early this morning in Ibadan capital of Oyo State as supporters of Alhaji Lateef Akinsola alias Tokyo, Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) flushed out the supporters of Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi alias Auxiliary at the Iwo road Motor garage.

The clash has left several people killed, with many more injured.

In a swift reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state confirmed the incident but stated that police is on top of the situation.
He said that policemen have been drafted to the scene of the incident stressing that the situation has been brought under control. But he could not disclose the numbers of causalities as he stated, “We are still awaiting update information on the crisis”.

However, newspaper distributors on getting to Iwo Road had to make a u-turn on seeing the rampaging hoodlums and therefore were unable to distribute newspapers as at that time.

Information gathered revealed that Tokyo’s fully armed supporters converged on Iwo Road around 7am today to dislodge the illegal NURTW members who have been operating in the garage, with the support of the former governor, Alao Akala.

The two warring factions freely used guns and other dangerous weapons on themselves.

While the fight lasted, commuters and other road users fled the area.

However, PM NEWS reliably gathered that Tokyo has successfully taken over Iwo Road garage. It was further learnt that Tokyo has the intention to also take over Ojoo garage in Ibadan.

Sources very close to NURTW hinted PM NEWS that Tokyo will hijack all the garages in the entire Oyo State this week.

Following a faceoff between Alao-Akala and Tokyo, the former proscribed NURTW in the state and even attempted to demolish their state secretariat against court order.

However, just as he was about leaving office, Alao-Akala  de-proscribed the union that he once vowed he would never allow to operate while in government.

By Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan