ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS IN GUN BATTLE IN IBADAN

The fragile peace currently being enjoyed in Oyo state was yesterday disrupted as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers of Nigeria (RTEAN) battled themselves over the daily fees charged by the drivers’ union.

In the ensuing melee that paralysed activities in Agugu, Oremeji, Monatan, Iwo road areas of the state, dangerous weapons including guns, machete, cutlasses and charms were freely used. At Monatan, several gunshots were fired forcing traders and commuters to scamper for safety.

Although nobody was hit by stray bullets but several persons however sustained injuries.

According to eyewitness account, the fight which started as a mere disagreement between two union members later degenerated into a fight with many brandishing dangerous weapons and breaking windscreens.

It was learnt that trouble started when some young taxi cab drivers who enjoy the patronage of politicians refused to pay to members of NURTW alleging that they were being extorted by the union. The car owners who are with RTEAN reportedly demanded that the fees be shared between the two associations which did not go down well with the NURTW leadership.

A member of RTEAN who spoke with reporters on condition of anonymity said, “I am a taxi driver but NURTW people collect money from me every day at the parks and on the roads. They threaten us with weapons but this has to stop.

I am aware that RTEAN proposed that NURTW should only collect park fee from its members and allow RTEAN members to pay to RTEAN executives but it was rejected by NURTW executives who feed fat on us. That was what led to the fight.”

In his own account, Secretary of the NURTW in the state, Akin James, said, “I am yet to understand the motive behind the attacks. Many of our members were injured and taken to the hospital. For a while, RTEAN has been advocating taking over some motor parks and the police had severally warned that he would not allow trouble makers in the state.

We have reported to the police and arrests have been made in areas where fight was recorded. While confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu said policemen have been deployed to the scene to maintain peace. Ajisebutu who disclosed that normalcy has returned to the troubled areas confirmed that many arrests have been made in relation to the fracas.

Source: Guardian.ng