ALGON suspends activities of all transport unions
…As Police deploy officers to motor parks
By Ismail Azeez
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter has suspended the activities of all transport unions in Osun State, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in all public motor parks with immediate effect.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Monday, the Chairman Ilesa East local government, who also doubled as ALGON Vice Chairman Hon. Lanre Balogun noted that the action became necessary due to the disturbing security situation in Osun State, particularly the activities in motor parks and garages, which have become flashpoints for incessant violence and killings.
The ALGON called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all motor parks and garages across the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife East Area Office (Modakeke) to ensure the protection of lives and property.
He urged the Nigeria Police to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and all other persons alleged to have been involved in the recent killings so that justice can be served for the victims and lasting peace restored.
According to him “The Local Government Chairmen will continue to engage relevant stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives, before announcing the next line of action.”
“We strongly believe that these measures will restore sanity to our motor parks and garages and guarantee the safety and security of the people of Osun State.”
However, the Osun State Police Command has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident that following a protest by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Osun State that their vehicles were not allowed into the garage by the dominant faction which reportedly escalated into clashes involving another faction of the union in Osogbo.
Reacting, the Osun State Image-Maker of the Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi noted that immediately the Police Command received the distress call about the incident that leads to disruption of public peace and normal commercial activities, the Police swiftly swung into action and use minimal force to disperse the protester as to restore normalcy.
He stressed that officers have been stationed at the various packs within the state to avoid further breakdown of law and order.
The Command however, called on all members and leaders of the affected factions to immediately cease all forms of hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue as the appropriate means of resolving grievances or channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters.
According to him, “All stakeholders are urged to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of further escalating tensions pending determination of those to manage the pack by the relevant authorities.”
“The Police and other Security Agencies have been charged to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident. Anyone found to have engaged in violence or any other criminal act will be dealt with accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan has advised members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that may assist ongoing investigations.
He also urged citizens to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or inflaming the situation.