At least five people were injured on Monday following a violent clash between members of rival transport unions in the Idi-Araba and Itakudimo areas of Ilorin.
The unrest reportedly began after an alleged attack on the office of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), sparking chaos that forced residents and motorists to flee for safety. Witnesses described scenes of panic as armed youths stormed the area.
A resident, Mr. Mubaraq Bello, recounted:
“We were at home when we suddenly saw some youths alight from tricycles, armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. They moved towards the NARTO office, throwing stones at the building.”
Allegations of Targeted Attacks
NARTO member Abubakar Olatunbosun alleged that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Tricycle Owners’ Association of Nigeria (TOAN) attacked them while they were en route to the Police headquarters.
He further claimed that over 100 tricycles belonging to NARTO members had been seized by rival unions.
“We respect the law and will not take it into our own hands. Kwara is known for peace, and we appeal to the state government to intervene,” Olatunbosun said.
Victims of the clash also shared harrowing accounts. Abdulwasiu Jamiu alleged that attackers forcefully took away tricycles and inflicted injuries on several members. Another victim, Lukman Iyanda, said he sustained a broken hand after being assaulted while operating his tricycle at Itakudimo.
Counterclaims from Rival Union
In response, a member of RTEAN, who spoke anonymously, dismissed NARTO’s claims, insisting that NARTO is an unregistered association not recognized by the government.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from NURTW, RTEAN, and TOAN representatives proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Growing Concerns
The violent confrontation has heightened concerns about escalating tensions among transport unions in Kwara State, with residents calling for urgent government intervention to restore peace and protect livelihoods.
