By John Dike, Osogbo
Soldiers were deployed on Monday to strategic locations across Osogbo and other areas following protests and disturbances at major motor parks linked to the lingering leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The military deployment came after transport workers and supporters of different factions of the union staged protests at several motor parks, disrupting commercial activities and raising fears of a breakdown of law and order.
Residents and commuters expressed relief at the arrival of the soldiers, saying their presence helped restore calm after hours of uncertainty.
Commercial activities were temporarily disrupted in parts of Osogbo, particularly around major motor parks, as transport operators suspended operations while protesters occupied some of the facilities.
Eyewitnesses said military personnel were stationed at strategic junctions and motor parks, where they monitored the situation and prevented further escalation of the crisis. The soldiers were observed carrying out patrols while ensuring that normal activities gradually resumed.
A trader at the popular Igbonna market, who identified herself simply as Kudirat, said the intervention of the military restored confidence among residents.
“We thank the military for saving us from these hoodlums. There was panic this morning after gunshots were heard, but the soldiers came in and restored calm. People who had earlier fled began returning to their businesses,” she said.
A commercial bus driver also commended the professionalism displayed by the security personnel.
“The military men acted professionally. They stopped the lawlessness and prevented the situation from getting out of hand. We are grateful for their intervention because transport workers and passengers were already afraid,” he said.
Although tension remained in some parts of the state, witnesses said the military personnel were careful not to become directly involved in the leadership dispute but concentrated on maintaining public order, protecting lives and property, and preventing further violence.
The protest was triggered by the ongoing crisis within the NURTW, with aggrieved members demanding greater security at motor parks and calling for the intervention of security agencies over recent violent incidents affecting transport workers.
Meanwhile, the disturbances have generated fresh political accusations.
Supporters of the Accord Party alleged that individuals they identified as “Asiri Eniba and other APC thugs” invaded some motor parks, allegedly firing gunshots while being accompanied by police personnel.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had not issued any official response to the allegations, while the Nigeria Police Force had also not released a statement addressing the specific claims.
Monday’s development comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with political parties, civil society organisations and election observers repeatedly calling on security agencies to remain impartial and ensure adequate protection for residents throughout the election period.
Residents appealed to the military, police and other security agencies to sustain their presence in identified flashpoints to prevent further violence and reassure members of the public as political activities gather momentum in the run-up to the governorship poll.
