Five people were injured in a violent clash between members of rival transport unions in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, according to reports from DAILY POST. The incident occurred around the Idi-Araba and Itakudimo areas, following an alleged attack on the office of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO). The violence disrupted daily activities, forcing residents and motorists to flee the area as tensions escalated.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as youths armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons descended from tricycles and moved toward the NARTO office. Mr. Mubaraq Bello, a local resident, said he was at home when he saw the group approach, throwing stones at the building. The sudden aggression created panic among nearby communities, with many seeking safety away from the conflict zone.
A NARTO member, Abubakar Olatunbosun, accused members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Tricycle Owners’ Association of Nigeria (TOAN) of attacking them while they were en route to the police headquarters in Ilorin. He emphasized that NARTO members respect the law and would not resort to violence, especially in a state known for its peace. Olatunbosun also claimed that over 100 tricycles belonging to NARTO members had been seized during the confrontation.
Victims of the attack shared harrowing experiences. Abdulwasiu Jamiu stated that union members violently took away his tricycle and physically assaulted him. Another victim, Lukman Iyanda, who sustained a broken hand, recounted being attacked while operating his tricycle near the Itakudimo axis. These accounts highlight the severity of the violence and its direct impact on livelihoods.
On the other side, a representative from RTEAN, speaking anonymously, argued that NARTO is an unregistered association and therefore not recognized by the government. This claim adds another layer to the dispute, suggesting a broader issue of legitimacy and regulation within the transport sector. However, representatives from the other unions involved could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
The incident has raised concerns about security and governance in Kwara State’s transportation industry. With multiple unions vying for control and influence, the potential for further clashes remains high. Authorities are now under pressure to investigate the incident thoroughly and restore order to prevent future violence. The situation underscores the need for dialogue and structured regulation in the transport sector to protect workers and maintain public safety.
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