At least six persons on Thursday morning sustained injuries after factions of the road transport unions clashed in Obalende, Lagos Island.
The violence which disrupted activities in the business hub and saw road users scampering to safety was said to have been between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The Nation reports that the struggle for park control has remained a major violence trigger between both unions leading to loss of lives and properties across the state.
According to sources, Thursday’s fight started around 9:15am near Kam Salem building with the factions shooting sporadically and throwing bottles at each other.
Videos of the incident posted online showed commuters atop and under the bridge fleeing the crossfire as the armed thugs engaged each other without restraints.
It was gathered that the violence lasted over two hours before security operatives intervened and restored normalcy.
Confirming that six of his members sustained injuries, Chairman NURTW Lagos Council, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya alias MC Oluomo alleged that it was RTEAN members who attacked his men.
Akinsanya who condemned the attack, noted that each union have garages they control in the state in line with new regulations. He urged RTEAN leadership to seek audience with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation if aggrieved.
One of the miscreants arrested said they were hired from Ikorodu, adding that some arrived Obalende by 6am and others joined the group around 7am.
Reacting to the incident, the police command said six suspects have been arrested and moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.
Spokesman for the command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The command has deployed resources to disperse and suppress the hoodlums fomenting trouble at Obanlende. Normalcy has been restored to the area.
“Based on preliminary findings, the crisis was between transport unions in the area and no life was lost. Six suspected hoodlums have been arrested and handed over to state CID, Panti, Yaba for discreet Investigation.
“The leaders of transport unions in the area have been invited for interrogation and further actions.”
