Osun ALGON suspends transport unions over rising motor park violence

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Osun State chapter, has suspended the activities of all transport unions in public motor parks across the state with immediate effect.

The Osun ALGON said it based its action on the worsening insecurity, recurring violence and clashes linked to leadership disputes within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Osun ALGON Vice Chairman and Chairman of Ife East Local Government Council Area, Lanre Balogun, during a press conference on the security situation in motor parks and garages across the state.

Balogun said the suspension affects all transport unions operating in public motor parks, including motorcycle and tricycle unions.

He also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over motor parks and garages in the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office in Modakeke to safeguard lives and property.

According to him, “The decision followed increasing violence and killings associated with the leadership crisis within the NURTW, which had turned several motor parks into centres of criminal activities.

“We have invited you here today to address the disturbing security situation in Osun State, particularly the activities in motor parks and garages, which have become flashpoints for incessant violence and killings.”

He alleged that recent violent incidents in Osogbo, including the killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man receiving medical treatment, were linked to the factional NURTW chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.

Balogun urged the police to intensify efforts to arrest Alowonle and all other persons allegedly connected with the killings to ensure justice for the victims.

Balogun stated that the latest protest in motor parks across the state heightened tension before security agencies intervened, warning that the continued violence was eroding public confidence in the state’s transport system.

“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 motor park and garage system, which remains the primary means of transportation across the state,” he said.

The ALGON vice chairman maintained that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assigns the administration and management of public motor parks to local government councils.

He cited Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as empowering councils to regulate motor parks, maintain order, reduce violence and improve internally generated revenue.

He added that the constitutional provisions give local government councils, acting through their elected chairmen and other lawful authorities, the power to establish appropriate administrative and management structures for public motor parks in accordance with applicable laws.

Balogun also criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s handling of the security situation, alleging that the state government had failed to take decisive action against those allegedly responsible for the unrest.

He said local government chairmen could not allow facilities under their authority to become threats to public peace and security.

He said the local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives before announcing further measures, expressing confidence that the suspension of transport union activities and increased security presence would help restore order and improve public safety across Osun State.

Earlier, the Osun State Police Command 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 had 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 of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, 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.

Osun ALGON suspends transport unions over rising motor park violence