Adeleke suspends NURTW activities in Osun motor parks over security concerns

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in motor parks across the state as part of measures to restore public order and address rising security concerns.

The directive was announced on Thursday following an emergency meeting of the Osun State Security Council convened to review the security situation arising from recent clashes and leadership disputes within the transport union.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor directed security agencies to immediately halt all NURTW operations in public motor parks across the state.

As part of the directive, the collection of union dues, levies and other fees in motor parks has also been suspended until further notice.

Governor Adeleke, however, clarified that the order does not affect the operation of motor parks, stressing that commercial transport activities should continue without disruption.

“I hereby direct the Police and other security agencies to stop all activities of the union in all our parks across the state. I am not saying you should close the parks, but you should not allow anyone to operate in the parks in the name of the union. Anyone found contravening this order should be arrested for possible prosecution,” the governor said.

He further directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone who presents themselves as an executive or official of the union in any motor park in violation of the directive.

To ensure effective enforcement, Governor Adeleke approved the immediate establishment of a Rapid Response Squad comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Armed Forces.

The decision follows recent violent clashes between rival factions of the NURTW in parts of the state, which disrupted transport activities and raised concerns over public safety.

Security chiefs at the meeting assured the governor that the directive would be fully implemented across the state’s 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office to maintain law and order and protect commuters and residents.

The Osun State Government said the measures will remain in place pending further review of the security situation.