Police restore peace after clash between transport workers in Osun

The Osun State Police have brought back calm after a clash between two groups of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Osogbo on Monday.

The police, in a statement from their Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the fight started after one group protested. They claimed the dominant group stopped them from entering a motor park.

The protest turned violent, disrupting peace and business in parts of Osogbo. The statement said, "The Osun State Police Command has express deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred today 20th July, 2026; following a protest by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Osun State that their vehicles were not allowed into the garage by the dominant faction which reportedly escalated into clashes involving another faction of the union in Osogbo."

The police said they acted right away after getting calls about the situation. They used minimal force to break up the clash and restore order.

The statement added, "Immediately the Police Command received the distress call about the incident that leads to disruption of public peace and normal commercial activities, the Police swiftly swung into action and use minimal force to disperse the protester as to restore normalcy."

Officers have been deployed to various parks in the state to prevent further violence. The police urged leaders and members of both groups to stop fighting and talk things out instead.

They stated, "The Command call on all members and leaders of the affected factions to immediately cease all forms of hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue as the appropriate means of resolving grievances or channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters."

The police also asked everyone involved to avoid actions that could worsen the situation while the relevant authorities decide who should manage the motor parks. They warned that anyone found guilty during investigations would face the law.

"The Police and other Security Agencies have been charged to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident. Anyone found to have engaged in violence, or any other criminal act will be dealt with accordingly," the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, told residents to stay calm, go about their daily activities, and work with security agencies by sharing useful information.

The police also warned the public against spreading unverified news that could cause panic or make things worse.