Police deploy officers to Osun motor parks after NURTW faction protest

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Police Command on Monday said it had deployed officers to motor parks across the state after a protest by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated into clashes in Osogbo, disrupting public peace and commercial activities.

Western Post reports that factions of the NURTW and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) had earlier staged a protest in the state capital over alleged insecurity at motor parks across the state.

Shortly after the protest, sporadic gunshots were reported around the Old Garage area of Osogbo, forcing residents and commuters to scamper for safety.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the violence erupted after members of one faction alleged they were prevented from taking their vehicles into a motor park by the dominant faction, triggering a confrontation between the rival groups.

He said police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call, deployed personnel to the scene, used minimal force to disperse the protesters and restore normalcy, and stationed security personnel at motor parks across the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The command urged leaders and members of the rival factions to cease hostilities immediately and embrace dialogue, advising them to channel their grievances through the appropriate authorities rather than resort to violence.

“The police and other security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. Anyone found to have engaged in violence or any other criminal act will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement read.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan advised residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.