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 and garages across the state, citing worsening insecurity, violent clashes, and the alleged infiltration of criminal elements into transport facilities.
The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by the Chairman of ALGON in Osun State on behalf of the association.
According to ALGON, the decision followed increasing violence associated with the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), which it said has endangered the lives of commuters, transport operators, and residents across the state.
The association expressed concern over recent violent incidents in Osogbo, including the killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man, alleging that the attacks were linked to the factional Chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle. It stated that the incidents had triggered reprisals and repeated security operations in motor parks in search of suspected criminals.
ALGON further alleged that motor parks and garages in the state had gradually become safe havens for criminal activities, leading to declining public confidence in the transport system, which remains the major means of transportation within Osun State.
The association also referenced fresh protests that reportedly erupted in motor parks across the state on Wednesday, saying the situation created panic before the intervention of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
It criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration, alleging that the government had either failed or was unwilling to take decisive action against those allegedly responsible for the violence.
Citing Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), ALGON maintained that the administration and regulation of public motor parks fall within the constitutional responsibilities of Local Government Councils.
Based on this constitutional provision, the association announced the immediate suspension of the operations of all transport unions, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in public motor parks across the state's 30 Local Government Areas and the Ife East Area Office, Modakeke.
ALGON also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all public motor parks and garages to safeguard lives and property and maintain law and order.
In addition, the association urged security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and all other individuals alleged to have been involved in the recent killings to ensure justice for the victims and restore lasting peace.
The local government chairmen said they would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders before announcing further measures aimed at addressing the security challenges.
ALGON expressed confidence that the actions taken would restore order to public motor parks and improve the safety and security of residents across Osun State.
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