NURTW factions clash in Ibadan despite ban

After some weeks of respite following the proscription of their activities by the Oyo State government, two factions of the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) allegedly took to the streets at the weekend, brandishing guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, while they engaged each other in a violent clash.

An earsplitting sound of gunshots shattered the serenity of Egbeda area of Ibadan, causing panic and pandemonium as residents ran for cover to avoid being caught in the free-for-all that ensued. Many residents remained indoors under lock and keys, while shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses and ran for safety.

It was gathered that a former chairman of the union in the state, Mukaila Lamidi, a.k.a. Auxiliary, in company of some of his loyalists allegedly invaded the house of an estranged aide, Musliudeen Muideen, with guns and other dangerous weapons.

But when contacted, Auxiliary denied the allegations, saying the claim was not true. The NURTW chief alleged that some members of the union were out to paint him in black for the governor, Seyi Makinde, to stop his impending announcement as the new NURTW chairman.

Auxiliary who spoke to newsmen through one of his aides, Alhaji Ahmed Raheem, said the allegation was an attempt to destroy his reputation, stating that as a peace-loving person, he would never engage in acts that would bring disrepute to the state.

However, the victim, Muideen, confirmed the attack on him, while speaking with journalists yesterday, saying that his house was invaded by six vehicles loaded with NURTW members brandishing dangerous weapons, adding that he if it were to be in the night he would have been killed.