By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has disclosed that it was not officially notified of the recent protest organised by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state.
It’s spokesman, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, made the disclosure while speaking on Morning Spring, a programme on Western Spring Television.
He said that although the organisers failed to formally notify the police of the planned protest, the command proactively deployed personnel to strategic locations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
His words, “The protest was organised by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The Nigeria Police Force was not duly informed about the planned protest.
“However, our personnel were strategically deployed across the affected areas to monitor the situation, maintain law and order, and protect lives and property.”
Ojelabi stressed that the command remained committed to protecting residents and maintaining peace across Osun State, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information capable of preventing disturbances.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and urges members of the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies,” he added.
The protest came amid lingering disputes over the leadership of the NURTW and the suspension of transport union activities in public motor parks by a faction of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, following recent security concerns.
The police maintained that despite the absence of prior notification by the organisers, adequate security measures were put in place to safeguard lives and property throughout the protest.
It would be recalled that a faction of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, on Monday announced the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across the state, citing escalating violence and growing security concerns linked to the leadership crisis within the NURTW.
The decision came as Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the violent disturbances recorded in some motor parks in Osogbo and called on security agencies to immediately arrest individuals allegedly involved in the attacks, including one identified as Asiri Eniba.
Also speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government and Vice Chairman of the APC-aligned faction of ALGON in Osun State, Hon. Lanre Balogun, said the suspension was aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property across the state’s motor parks.
He directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately assume control of all public motor parks and garages in the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office (Modakeke), pending the restoration of normalcy.
Balogun said the decision followed what he described as persistent violence, killings and criminal activities allegedly associated with the leadership crisis within the NURTW, which, according to him, had disrupted commercial transport operations and endangered commuters and transport workers.
According to him, motor parks across the state had become flashpoints for violent confrontations, creating fear among residents and threatening public safety.
He alleged that the lingering crisis within the transport union had degenerated into violent clashes capable of undermining law and order, adding that recent attacks in Osogbo, which reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries, had further heightened security concerns.
Although investigations by security agencies are ongoing, ALGON maintained that urgent intervention had become necessary to prevent further bloodshed.
The association also accused the Osun State Government of failing to take decisive steps to address the situation, alleging that political considerations had hindered efforts to restore order in the motor parks.
Balogun further noted that repeated security operations in motor parks in search of suspected criminals had increased public anxiety and weakened confidence in the park and garage system, which remains the major means of transportation for thousands of residents across the state.
He said the temporary suspension of transport union activities would remain in force until security agencies confirmed that normalcy had been restored.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned what he described as coordinated attacks on public peace in Osogbo, alleging that innocent commuters and residents were subjected to sporadic gunfire during the disturbances.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that videos circulating on social media showed an individual identified as Asiri Eniba and his associates moving around motor parks while allegedly accompanied by a large contingent of police officers.
“The video of sporadic shooting by Asiri and his gang is everywhere on social media. Lorry loads of policemen accompanied Asiri and his group as they paraded across motor parks in the state,” the governor said.
Adeleke disclosed that he had personally contacted the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies, urging them to ensure the immediate arrest of those allegedly responsible for the attacks.
“I have personally called the attention of the Inspector-General of Police and other service chiefs to these open attacks on public peace. I demand the immediate arrest of Asiri Eniba for this open defiance of public security,” the governor stated.
The governor further warned that his administration could review its support for the current NURTW leadership if the violence persisted.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of the union under Nurudeen Alowonle to restore peace, Adeleke said the government would not hesitate to reintroduce the Park Management System if the situation deteriorated further.
“I believe the Alowonle leadership of the Osun NURTW will call its people to order. If Asiri Eniba’s alleged disorderly conduct continues, our government may be forced to revert to the Park Management System across Osun motor parks,” he added.
Monday’s developments came amid growing security concerns ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, with political actors exchanging accusations over the recent violence.
The latest suspension of transport union activities, the governor’s call for the arrest of those allegedly involved in the attacks
The police clarification that they were not officially notified of the protest underscore the heightened tension surrounding the state’s motor parks as security agencies intensify efforts to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order ahead of the poll.
