The Osun State Police Command has expressed concern over clashes involving factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, following a protest in Osogbo on Monday, saying security operatives have restored normalcy and commenced an investigation into the incident.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf CP Ibrahim Gotan, the Commissioner of Police, the unrest began after a faction of the NURTW alleged that its vehicles were prevented from entering a motor park by another dominant faction, triggering a protest that later degenerated into violence.
The police said they received a distress call reporting the disruption of public peace and commercial activities in parts of Osogbo and immediately deployed officers to the affected areas.
The statement said officers acted swiftly to contain the situation, dispersing the protesters with what it described as minimal force before restoring calm to the area.
The command added that security personnel have since been stationed at motor parks across the state to prevent any further breakdown of law and order and to reassure residents and commuters.
Calling for restraint, the police urged leaders and members of the affected NURTW factions to immediately end all hostilities and seek peaceful means of resolving their grievances.
The statement advised the parties to channel their complaints through appropriate authorities while relevant agencies determine issues relating to the management of the motor parks.
“The Command calls on all members and leaders of the affected factions to immediately cease all forms of hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue as the appropriate means of resolving grievances or channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters,” the statement said.
The police stated that officers, alongside other security agencies, had been directed to maintain law and order, safeguard lives and property, and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the clashes. It warned that anyone found to have engaged in violence or any other criminal act would face prosecution.
Gotan urged residents to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities without fear, and support ongoing investigations by providing credible information.
He also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or escalating tensions.
DAILY POST gathered that trouble started after opposing transport unions clashes and opened fire.
DAILY POST could not reliable verify if there were any casualty as at the time I’d filing this report.
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