NURTW, RTEAN In Bloody Clash Over Parks

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

There was a bloody clash on Wednesday between two rival transport unions over the control of parks, which left many people seriously injured and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed in Igando area of Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the violent clash was between the members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

It was gathered that one person, identified as Lati Bashiru, was shot on his left arm as the two contending unions clashed, wielding dangerous weapons over the control of bus parks.

Our correspondent learnt that the battle for the control of the Igando park lasted till about 2pm when a team of Policemen arrived.
Witnesses reported that armed members of one of the unions, numbering over 500 men, had invaded a major junction at Igando known as Last Bus Stop, connecting Isuti Road, Igando and Olowonla bus stops from their old Akesan Bus Stop base, in a move to take over the ticket selling point there.
But the men were said to have met a stiff resistance from the rival union members and a free-for-all use of guns, machetes, bottles and other dangerous weapons ensued.
In the confusion, a Police officer deployed to the scene was allegedly manhandled and taken hostage by the rampaging touts until the area’s Police Operations Officer, identified as Deputy Superintendent Maximius Osiehgwu, intervened with Police reinforcement.
It was also gathered that while the rampaging NURTW and RTEAN members were withdrawing from the superior Police fire power, they allegedly robbed residents and destroyed peoples’ properties.
An eyewitness said that a woman going for shopping was robbed of her N150,000, while the operator of a newly opened car wash said he lost his iphone to the hoodlums.
The proprietress of Wakisco Bar and Restaurant, located at No. 71, Old Akesan Road, Mrs. Ifeoma Jonathan, narrated how the touts invaded her premises, beat up her son and carted away cartons of beer, malt, fried fish, chicken and goat meat.
A Police source told our correspondent that over 10 suspects, comprising of men and women, were arrested at the various scenes of the crime. The DPO, Igando Division, CSP Taiwo, could not be reached as he was said to be at the scene of the incidence to maintain peace in the area.
There has been no official response from the State Police Command over the ugly incident as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkanah, did not take phone calls put through to him.