No fewer than 10 people were seriously injured in a clash between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) over an attempt by a faction of the union to take over its leadership in Owo, Owo local government area of Ondo State.It was gathered that the crisis completely shut down commercial activities in the ancient town for almost four hours, while the residents of the area were seen running for their lives.
It was also gathered that the union members were shooting sporadically and attacking themselves with cutlasses.
According to a source, the crisis was allegedly sponsored by some politicians who are preparing for the 2016 governorship election in the state. The source disclosed that the trouble started when one man identified as “Jungunnu” declared himself the new chairman of the union in the town. It was also gathered that Jungunnu allegedly led some thugs to Akure Car Park at First Molac Hotel area and attacked the union leaders.
The fight was said to have spread to Ehinogbe area where it took the intervention of mobile policemen before normalcy was restored to the ancient town.While reacting to the development, the current NURTW chairman of Ondo council, Mr. Kolade Jasper, disclosed that he had not received any letter from the national leaders that he should vacate his position. He noted that the said Jungunnu who is parading himself as the new chairman is not a member of the union . The chairman appealed to the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, to intervene in the crisis before it gets out of hand. Confirming the incident, the state PPRO, Mr Femi Joseph, said the police were on top of the situation and appealed to the warring factions to maintain peace.
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