Breaking: Osun ALGON Suspends Activities of Transport Unions in Public Motor Parks Over Rising Insecurity

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across the state, citing worsening insecurity and recurring violence linked to the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The decision was announced on Monday by the Vice Chairman of Osun ALGON and Chairman of Ife East Local Government, Lanre Balogun, who addressed journalists on behalf of the association during a press conference.

Balogun said the action became necessary following what he described as the increasing wave of violence, killings and criminal activities allegedly associated with the crisis in the state’s motor parks.

According to him, the security situation has endangered the lives of commuters, transport operators and other residents, while eroding public confidence in the state’s motor park system.

He alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke had either failed or was unwilling to take decisive action to address the situation and bring those responsible to justice.

The ALGON vice chairman cited recent violent incidents in Osogbo allegedly linked to the factional Chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle, including the killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man currently receiving medical treatment.

He said the incidents had sparked reprisal attacks and prompted repeated security operations in motor parks in search of suspected criminals.

“Our motor parks have gradually become criminal hideouts and are no longer safe for members of the public,” Balogun said, adding that residents were beginning to lose confidence in the transport system because of the recurring violence.

He also referred to fresh protests that reportedly erupted in motor parks across the state on Monday, saying the situation created panic before the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force.

Balogun maintained that local government councils have the constitutional responsibility to administer and manage public motor parks, citing the provisions of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said the constitutional mandate empowers local governments to regulate motor parks, maintain order, curb violence and enhance internally generated revenue.
“Accordingly, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, hereby suspends the activities of all transport unions in Osun State, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in all public motor parks with immediate effect,” he declared.

The association also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all public motor parks and garages across the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office in Modakeke to safeguard lives and property.

ALGON further urged the police to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and all other persons allegedly connected with the recent killings to ensure justice for the victims and restore peace.

Balogun said the local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders before announcing further measures aimed at restoring order in the state’s motor parks.

He expressed confidence that the steps taken by the association would help restore sanity to motor parks and improve public safety across Osun State.

As of the time of filing this report, all efforts to get the reactions of the factional Chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle were proved abortive.

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