Gunshots, Injuries, Vandalism Trails NURTW, RTEAN’s Clash Over Ticket Fee In Lagos

 

BY AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

No fewer than 15 people were reported to have sustained varying degrees of injuries from gunshots at the Tin-Can first gate and the Fatgbems Gas Station end of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, on Wednesday, as suspected members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers clashed with members of the rival Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria over ticket fee.

The Truck Transit Park Limited in the area was affected as the conflicting members of unions reportedly destroyed some properties in the facility during the violence.

Eyewitnesses said that trouble started from the Tin-Can end of the road when some NURTW members approached the port to dislodge members of the RTEAN to enable them issue tickets to truck drivers.

The RTEAN members at the spot were said to have opposed the decision of the rival transport union members, thereby leading to a free-for-all.

The groups were said to have used guns and other dangerous weapons during the encounter.

“I have reported this matter to the authorities severally for their intervention but, until yesterday’s (Wednesday) attack on us, there was no intervention.

“Before the attack, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, invited both unions to a meeting but members of the NURTW refused to attend.

“These unprovoked attacks have been going on in the last four weeks without any intervention by the authorities,” the Vice-Chairman of RTEAN, Adeola Adeyemi, said.

Abebi Ajele of the NURTW could, however, not be reached for comment on the matter at press time.

The Public Relations Officer, Lagos Police Command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, was quoted as saying that “I am not aware of the incident that took place around the Apapa–Mile 2 area of Lagos, but I will get back to you as soon as possible.”

Toyin Fayinka, Special Assistant to Lagos State governor on Transportation, said he had yet to be officially communicated on the matter.

“I cannot comment on what I have not been officially communicated. Until that is done, I am sorry, I cannot say anything on the matter. I am a public servant, please understand my situation,” Fayinka said.

 

The Point

The Corporate and Communication Manager of the Truck Transit Park Limited, Toni Anne Uwaifo, said that the firm lost some valuables to the crisis as hoodlums destroyed its electronic barriers and other items.