Transport unions’ clash lingers in Ibadan

The battle for supremacy and control of motor parks between two rival transport unions in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), assumed a new twist, yesterday, as RTEAN petitioned the state police command over alleged harassment of its members.

The associations had engaged in a gun battle at Iwo Road motor park over the collection of fees and control of parks in the city, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

RTEAN alleged that members of the NURTW have dislodged them from their motor parks in the 11 local councils in Ibadan.

The outgoing State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, has waded into the crisis.

Although some supporters of the two groups were arrested, RTEAN, in the petition, said its members now walk in fear of being attacked by the NURTW.

RTEAN chairman in Ona Ara local council, Nureni Idris, who signed the petition, said in as much as RTEAN members do not want any violence or disruption to the peace in Ibadan, they would not sit back and watch their rights being trampled upon by the NURTW.