CITIZENS COMPASS– THERE were pockets of violence in Ogun following clashes by transport unions over control of garages particularly in It or I area of Ewekoro Local Government.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 21, 222 during an annual festival called Itori Day as packaged by
the Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo where the transporters were in attendance.
Those involved in the clash were the recently approved Ogun State Operations Management Service (OSOMS), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Ogun State Parks Management (OGSPAM) who reportedly engaged themselves in a free for all.
Eye witnesses’ accounts said broken bottles, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons were freely used just as some union leaders were injured in the process.
Citizens Compass gathered that. RTEAN Chairman in Ogun State, Akibu Titilayo, popularly known as Efele and many others were among the victims.
The cause of the incident was attributed to issues bothering on issuing of tickets, especially as it has to do with the newly created union, OSOMS.
It was learnt that OGSPAM members were displeased with the creation of the new union, which Efele is in support of and this resulted in in fighting which degenerated.
One of the guests who pleaded anonimity said, “At least four persons sustained injuries in that riot,”
Meanwhile, Spokesperson, Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident said those behind the riot will be brought to book.
Oyeyemi, who said no arrest has been made yet, stressed that the police will not allow any group or individual to turn Ogun into a battlefield.
“It is true there was a riot at Itori Day yesterday, though we didn’t record any casualty. They hoodlums fought one another and went away immediately. But we are on their trail. Because we will not allow these hoodlums to be taking us for granted, we will not!
“One, this is a festive period; second, the election is fast approaching. So, we should not allow some group of thugs to be carrying out thuggery and brigandage in Ogun State. We have sounded that note of warning. All those who perpetrated that crime yesterday, we are on their trail and we will get them.
“We were told they were transport union members, even though we cannot pinpoint anybody. The actual cause of that crisis is what we want to find out and we are going to lay our hands on those who were involved in it,” Oyeyemi threatened.
