RIVAL TRANSPORT UNIONS CLASH IN ILORIN, LEAVING SEVERAL INJURED

Tension erupted in parts of Ilorin, Kwara State, after members of rival transport unions clashed, leaving more than five people injured and hospitalised. The violence disrupted normal activities around the Idi-Araba and Itakudimo areas of the state capital as residents and motorists reportedly fled for safety.

The confrontation was reportedly linked to growing disagreements among transport unions over the operation of tricycles and control of transport activities in parts of the state. The situation escalated after some youths allegedly arrived in tricycles, armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, and moved towards the office of the National Association of Road Transport Owners.

A resident, Mubaraq Bello, said some of the youths allegedly threw stones at the NARTO office, causing tension in the area. A NARTO member, Abubakar Olatunbosun, subsequently accused members of other transport associations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, of attacking its members.

The dispute has also been linked to allegations over the seizure of tricycles. NARTO members claimed that more than 100 tricycles belonging to their members had been seized, while some operators alleged that they were attacked and injured during the confrontation. Two affected operators, Abdulwasiu Jamiu and Lukman Iyanda, said their tricycles were forcefully taken during the unrest.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Ministry of Transportation has denied allegations of intimidation, bias or preferential treatment for any transport union. The ministry said it had maintained a neutral position and was focused on coordinating transportation activities in accordance with the law. Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Korasabi, urged stakeholders to follow lawful channels in resolving their disagreements.

The development has heightened concerns over the growing tension among transport operators in Ilorin. Affected groups have called for government intervention to prevent further escalation, while stressing the need for a peaceful resolution that would allow transport workers to continue their businesses without fear of violence or harassment.