Tension gripped parts of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, after rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) engaged in a violent confrontation that temporarily disrupted commercial activities before security operatives restored calm.
The clash, which occurred around one of the state’s major motor parks, caused panic among traders, commuters and residents as members of the opposing groups exchanged blows and reportedly attacked one another over control of transport operations.
Eyewitnesses said the violence forced many business owners to shut their shops while passengers abandoned the area for fear of being caught in the disturbance.
Following distress calls, officers of the Osun State Police Command were deployed to the scene, where they dispersed the hoodlums and brought the situation under control before the violence spread to nearby communities.
Police authorities said additional security personnel have been stationed at strategic locations and motor parks across Osogbo to prevent a recurrence of the crisis and reassure residents of their safety.
The command noted that the confrontation was linked to an internal disagreement between rival factions of the transport union, adding that investigations have commenced to identify those responsible for instigating the violence.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said normalcy has returned to the affected area and urged members of the public to continue with their lawful activities without fear.
He warned that anyone found to have taken part in the disturbance or engaged in any act capable of threatening public peace would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also appealed to leaders of the transport union to embrace peaceful dialogue and lawful means of resolving their differences rather than resorting to violence.
Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies as the command pledged to sustain efforts aimed at maintaining peace and protecting lives and property across Osun State.