Two injured in Ondo as NURTW, RTEAN members clash over leadership

Two people were on Tuesday injured in a bloody clash that occurred between the members of the local branches of the transport unions in Ondo state: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

The two local union branches have been embroiled in a leadership crisis which has caused rivalry among their members since last year.

A driver who was injured during the fracas, Gbenro Ikusika, confirmed the incident on his sick bed at the emergency ward of the State Specialist Hospital in Akure the state capital.

Mr. Ikusika alleged that the Ondo/Ore branch chairman of the NURTW, Oladele Tolulope led the group of the attackers.

He claimed that the attackers stormed the motor park located at Lipakala area of Ondo town in the morning and injured everyone during melee.

“The group of attackers were loaded in three Toyota Hiace buses and armed with different dangerous weapons like bottles, cutlasses, cudgels, and charms.”

Ifedayo Akinneye, branch unit chairman of RTEAN also confirmed the attack and disclosed that the hoodlums destroyed the union’s building in the park.

Akinneye also alleged that the attackers were members of the NURTW who felt superior over some members in the Association.

Responding, Oladele Tolulope, the Ondo NURTW Chairman confirmed the attack adding that the action was to bring back their members who have dumped the union for the RTEAN.

Daily Times correspondent who visited the scene of the fracas reported that the area was littered with broken bottles, sticks and other dangerous weapons.

Armed security men were seen parading the nooks and crannies of the town to avoid reprisal attacks from the groups.

Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) that belongs to the police has been stationed at the scene of the incident to prevent further break down of law and order.

Chairman of RTEAN in Ondo, Mr. Sebeeni Obadun, decried the attack on members of the Association during the fight.

He pleaded with the state government to intervene urgently on the matter in order to guarantee more security of life.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Funbi-Fagun division, Olu-Ojo Ogunmoyole, said about six members of the two rival unions have been arrested and detained in the station.

He disclosed that those arrested would face prosecution after the police must have conducted its investigation.