…asks Police force to Take over Parks in Osun
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, has ordered the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across the state, citing growing insecurity, persistent violence and the need to restore public confidence in the transport system.
The decision was announced on Thursday during a press conference addressed by the Vice Chairman of ALGON in Osun State, Hon. Lanre Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the association.
According to Balogun, the lingering leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has continued to fuel violence in several parts of the state, exposing commuters, transport operators and residents to danger.
He alleged that the crisis has been accompanied by criminal activities, turning some motor parks into centres of violence rather than safe public facilities.
ALGON also criticised the Osun State Government over what it described as an inadequate response to the worsening security situation.
The association specifically referred to recent incidents in Osogbo allegedly linked to NURTW factional chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle. It claimed that the violence resulted in the death of a toddler and left an elderly man with gunshot injuries. According to the association, the attacks triggered reprisal violence and prompted repeated security raids on motor parks in search of suspected criminals.
Balogun said the recurring incidents have created fear among commuters, with many residents gradually losing confidence in the state’s motor park system, which remains the major means of transportation for thousands of people.
He further disclosed that fresh tension erupted in motor parks and garages across Osun State on Thursday following protests that were eventually brought under control by the timely intervention of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The ALGON vice chairman said local government authorities could no longer remain silent while facilities under their constitutional jurisdiction continued to pose security risks.
He explained that Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers local government councils to regulate public motor parks, maintain order, prevent violence and improve internally generated revenue.
Balogun maintained that the constitutional provision gives elected local government chairmen the authority to establish appropriate administrative and management structures for public motor parks in line with existing laws.
Consequently, ALGON announced the immediate suspension of the operations of all transport unions, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in public motor parks across the 30 local government areas of Osun State and the Ife East Area Office, Modakeke.
The association also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over the management of all public motor parks and garages across the state to safeguard lives and property.
In addition, ALGON urged security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and every other person allegedly connected with the recent killings, insisting that those responsible must face justice to pave the way for lasting peace.
Balogun added that local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders before announcing further decisions on the administration of motor parks.
He expressed confidence that the temporary suspension of transport union activities, alongside increased security presence, would restore order, improve public safety and return sanity to motor parks across Osun State.
The press conference was delivered by Hon. Lanre Balogun, Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, on behalf of the association.
