Tension is currently brewing among residents of Oyo State over possible attacks on motor parks, garages and other strategic areas in the state, DAILY POST reports.
The attacks, which are allegedly being coordinated by factional groups within the state chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is targeted at removing the current executive members of the NURTW throughout the state. The attacks are being planned ahead of the inauguration of the new government in the state.
DAILY POST reports that Engineer Seyi Makinde, who won the March 9 gubernatorial election in the state, would be inaugurated on Wednesday, May 29.
But, information being circulated among residents of the state through the social media and other means of communication, said there would be possible attacks on motor parks in Ibadan and other major towns in the state from tomorrow (Tuesday), Wednesday and Thursday.
The statement sent to DAILY POST on Monday by one of the concerned residents in Ibadan, the state capital reads “Please be careful and watchful about your going out, especially around motor parks in Ibadan and other towns in Oyo state from Tuesday evening and Wednesday when the new governor will be sworn-in.
“Because there is likely to be a heavy fight between the NURTW drivers union officials as members of a faction amongst them have vowed to take over the garages all over Oyo state by use of force and weapons.
“It could as well happen on Wednesday evening/ Thursday morning. So, be careful, stay indoors if you have nothing pressing to do outside on those days and warn your friends too. You will not be sacrificed for others to live oh”.
Our correspondent, who has been monitoring activities in some major motor parks in Ibadan, gathered that there are pockets of grievances among the factions of the union.
It was observed that different factions in various parks visited had been on each other’s neck with a promise to show each other who is superior immediately the new government is ushered in.
But, the state Police Command while confirming the existence of the statement, which has been in circulation for some days, urged residents not to panic.
The Police, while reacting, urged resident to disregard the alleged break down of peace in the state by the leaders of NURTW on 29th of May, during the inauguration of the incoming governor.
State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, re-assured people of the state that the police were on top of the situation and working closely in the synergy with the state government, the union members both at the state and the national levels.
Olukolu said, “The attention of the police in Oyo State has been drawn to an unsigned, uncaptioned and undated statements going viral on the social media purported to cause imminent breakdown of law and order in Oyo State, ascribing to an unapproved means of change of leadership by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
“The Police commissioner wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo State and the entire citizenry that the police in Oyo State are on top of the situation and are working closely in the synergy with the State government, the union members both at the State and the National levels and other sisters security agencies.”
“People should continue to partner, support and synergised with the police in particular, the entire security agencies to ensure that the relative peace being enjoyed in Oyo State is not truncated by misguided individuals or group.”
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