Business
Police Arrest 20 As NURTW Factions Unleash Terror On Ibadan
Two factions of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) clashed on Sunday in Ibadan, destroying more than 50 vehicles and causing panic in the Oyo State capital.
This is the second time that the two factions of the union are clashing over the control of major motor parks in the state capital.
During clashes, first last Monday and this Sunday, many vehicles were destroyed while some lives were lost.
A witness said that many Abuja-bound passengers who were at the Iwo Road motor park to board vehicles were caught in the milieu.
Hoodlums reportedly launched an attack on the motor park, shooting sporadically into the air, apparently to forcefully take over the facility.
“About 17 people caught up in the attack who sustained varied degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals,’’ an Abuja-bound passenger who said he narrowly escaped, said.
Confirming the incident, the police spokesman in the state, Olatunji Ajimuda (SP) said that more than 20 suspects were arrested.
“There is a clash between the two factions of the NURTW and the police were called to go and quell the clash.”
“We made some arrests and they will soon appear in court as soon as we finish investigation.”
“Actually, we are not stopping at that; we are still looking for those who committed this crime.”
“It’s not only those arrested; we will look for their leaders and bring them to book.”
“I don’t have the figure here now, but they are over 20.’’
Meanwhile, the entire stretch of Iwo Road from “Gate’’ area, through Idi-Ape and up to new Ile-Ife road, have been deserted as traders locked up their shops.
No fewer than 50 riot policemen, drawn from the Zone 11 Headquarters in Osogbo, had arrived at the scene keeping surveillance from patrol vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers,
Also, passers-by and travellers were made to raise their hands when going through the road as the riot policemen searched people carrying any form of luggage.
Immediate past Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, of Oyo State unbanned the NURTW activities in the state in the twilight of his administration.