The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, has suspended the activities of transport unions across the state’s motor parks and directed security agencies to immediately take over the facilities to maintain law and order.
Addressing a Press Conference in Osogbo, the ALGON spoke through some council chairmen including Tobiloba Famurewa (Ilesa West), Lanre Balogun (Ilesa East), Mohammed-Gazal Kazeem (Olorunda North) and Adebiyi Adedayo (Olaoluwa South).
They expressed worry over what they described as “disturbing activities in motor parks and garages, which have become flashpoints for incessant violence and killings.”
According to the chairmen, “The leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has, unfortunately, been accompanied by several alleged criminal activities, thereby endangering the lives of commuters, transport operators, and the general public.”
They accused the State Governor Ademola Adeleke of insensitivity and appearing helpless in the wake of the violent clashes.
Some suspected NURTW members had exchanged gunshots on Monday morning over control of motor parks after a faction called for the arrest of their chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.
“You are all aware of the recent wave of violence in Osogbo, allegedly linked to the factional Chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle, including 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 members of 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.
If the Governor chooses political considerations over public safety, we, as elected Local Government Chairmen, cannot fold our arms and allow facilities under our lawful authority to become threats to peace and security,” they said.
Accordingly, the ALGON announced the suspension of the activities of all transport unions in the state, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in all public motor parks with immediate effect.
“We also call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all motor parks and garages across the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife East Area Office (Modakeke) to ensure the protection of lives and property
