A clash between members of of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) clashed at Oshodi left many people injured on Tuesday.
The fight, which started in in the night, continued till the wee hours yesterday as the factions brandishing bottles and other dangerous weapons, took over the entire road, scaring motorists.
The crisis started after one of the wives of Musiliu Akinsanya (a.k.a MC Olomo), Modinat an NURTW leader at Oshodi, blocked the road with her car.
The woman, who was said to be driving, allegedly parked indiscriminately, obstructing other roads users.
Among those obstructed was an OPC member, who allegedly reacted in a way that prompted Mrs Akinsanya to invite some union members since her husband is out of the country.
An aide to Akinsanya told The Nation last night that his boss’ wife did not obstruct road users.
“She only parked by the road side to greet someone, leaving the way for other motorists but the OPC guy, who had had scores to settle with MC in the past came to harrass her. The guy seized the opportunity to vent his anger on MC wife,” he said.
Sensing danger, the OPC member was said to have also invited his colleagues who stormed the area armed with cutlasses and bottles. Many people were macheted while others were stabbed with broken bottles. The OPC members, also destroyed some parts of Akinsanya’s hotel in Oshodi.
It took the intervention of policemen from Akinpelu and Makinde Divisions, as well as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to restore normalcy to Oshodi.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said no life was lost. He added that the command was on the trail of the hoodlums, assuring that they will be arrested.
According to Owoseni, the timely intervention of the police saved the day and prevented the hoodlums from wreaking havoc.