Pandemonium in Osogbo as transporters protest shooting of park mgt boss

Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was thrown into chaos yesterday as students and residents struggled to commute due to a strike by commercial transporters.

The transporters, primarily mini-bus operators known as ‘Korope’, withdrew their services to protest the alleged shooting and hospitalisation of Nurudeen Iyanda, popularly known as Alowonle, the chairman of the Osun State Park Management System.

The Guardian learnt that Alowonle was allegedly shot in the stomach by officers of the State Police Command after being arrested on Tuesday over a domestic dispute. He was rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is reportedly on life support in the Intensive Care Unit.

The strike led to significant disruption, with several schools in areas such as Ataoja and Old Garage forced to shut down amid rising tensions. Protesters, including commercial transporters, converged at the hospital, refusing to return to work.

The acting Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State Command, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, claimed Alowonle was shot while attempting to escape custody. He added that Alowonle had been arrested alongside some associates on Monday over allegations of murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and malicious damage.

However, the Osun State government condemned the incident, describing it as an “attempted murder” while accusing the Head of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Moses Lohor, of the shooting.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi called for Lohor’s arrest and prosecution, stressing the need for impartiality and adherence to the rule of law.

Governor Ademola Adeleke urged residents and transport workers to remain calm and allow the authorities to address the situation. “I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not take laws into their hands. I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and actions have been initiated to ensure justice prevails,” Adeleke said through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, confirmed that the IGP has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Lohor and his team. According to Ojo, Lohor allegedly shot Alowonle at the police station following a domestic dispute.

The statement noted that Lohor’s actions were deemed unprofessional and illegal, with police authorities reportedly transferring the accused officer and his team to Abuja for further investigation.

The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining peace.