The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions in public motor parks across the state, citing rising insecurity, recurring violence and killings linked to leadership crises within transport unions.
The decision was announced on Monday during a press conference addressed by the leadership of ALGON in Osogbo.
The association said the security situation in motor parks and garages across Osun had become alarming, alleging that persistent clashes within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) had turned many parks into flashpoints for violence and criminal activities, thereby endangering commuters, transport operators and other members of the public.
ALGON expressed concern over what it described as the inability of the Osun State Government to decisively tackle the situation, alleging that political considerations had hindered efforts to restore lasting peace in the state’s motor parks.
The association cited the recent violence in Osogbo, which it alleged was linked to the factional Chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle, including the killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man who is currently receiving medical treatment. It also claimed that the incidents had resulted in repeated security operations at motor parks in search of suspected criminals.
According to ALGON, the growing insecurity has eroded public confidence in the motor park system, which remains the major means of transportation across the state.
The association also referenced Monday’s protest by transport union members at motor parks and garages across Osun, saying the development created panic before security operatives intervened to restore calm.
Citing the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, ALGON maintained that the administration and management of public motor parks fall under the constitutional responsibilities of Local Government Councils.
The association said, based on those constitutional powers, it had suspended the activities of all transport unions, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in public motor parks across the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office in Modakeke with immediate effect.
ALGON further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all public motor parks and garages across the state to safeguard lives and property.
It also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and all other persons allegedly connected with the recent killings, stressing that those responsible must face justice to ensure lasting peace.
The association added that local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders before announcing further measures aimed at restoring order in the state’s motor parks.
ALGON expressed optimism that the steps taken would restore sanity to motor parks and improve the safety of residents and commuters across Osun State.
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