One person died yesterday as two factions of National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) clashed on Sapele Crescent, off Ladoke Akintola Boulevard in Abuja.
Sources said supporters of NURTW President, Tajudeen Baruwa, marched to the union’s secretariat, occupied by Lagos Park Management Committee, led by Tajudeen Agbede.
“As you may be aware, members of Lagos Park Management Committee, led by Agbede, forcefully occupied the secretariat a few weeks ago, displacing the president and other executives,
“Therefore, supporters of the president mobilised to forcibly remove Agbede and his group.
“However, they were met by a police blockade, resulting in a violent confrontation. Shots were fired,” an eyewitness said.
“We shall not hesitate to defend our mandate,” Baruwa vowed, accusing former NURTW leaders of illegally occupying the secretariat.
He accused former union President, Najeem Yasin, and Agbede, former national vice president, of holding illegal meetings with past leaders.
Baruwa alleged the police seem to favour Lagos Park Management Committee.
He called on Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and Director General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, to intervene in the matter.
Baruwa noted only a court of competent jurisdiction can invalidate their mandate, and encouraged aggrieved members to follow due process and seek legal redress.
