Chaos erupted in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, as clashes erupted between factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at various motor parks across the Ogun Central Senatorial District.

The conflict underscores an internal dispute within the NURTW, prompting calls for urgent intervention from Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to prevent further escalation of violence, particularly in Abeokuta.

Reports indicate that clashes erupted between supporters of NURTW’s Mustapha Ismaila Yaro, allegedly backed by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and Akeem Bodunrin, believed to be affiliated with Dapo Abiodun’s reelection campaign within the Ogun Central Senatorial District.

Earlier this month, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, issued directives allocating transportation unions to three different groups, as instructed by Governor Dapo Abiodun: NURTW, RTEAN, and OGSPAM. However, tensions escalated as the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, expressed discomfort with the decision.

This week, the OGSPAM team led by Alhaji Iyeru was slated to commence operations, but a new directive from the Commissioner for Transportation instructed the union aligned with the SSG to resume operations, effectively sidelining OGSPAM. This move was viewed as empowering the opposition party by other transport unions.

Despite efforts to seek intervention from Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun Central Senatorial District Leaders, the Nigeria Police Force, and the DSS, the situation remains unresolved.

“We shall henceforth not hesitate to defend our mandate with the last drop of our blood,” declared one faction, accusing Yaro of unlawfully occupying the State Secretariat of the union.

While the exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed at this time, eyewitnesses report two fatalities and numerous injuries across the Ogun Central Senatorial District.

Source : News Across