Pandemonium broke out Wednesday at Akute Bus Stop and Alagboole in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State following a violent clash between commercial motorcyclists and transport union tax collectors, popularly known as Agbero, over a hike in ticket prices.
Our correspondents who were at the scene reported that shops were shut and some property was destroyed, just as residents and traders in the area scampered for safety.
The clash which broke out in the morning sent fear into the community as several residents could not go out and urged others who had left the area to remain where they were until peace was restored.
A stranded commuter, identified simply as Garba, who spoke with PUNCH Online, claimed the motorcyclists were fighting a just cause, saying, “It is unreasonable to increase their ticket price from N700 to N1400, considering the cost of fuel. Where will they get money from? This cannot continue.”
Though there were claims that one person was feared killed, our correspondents could not verify this.
A resident, who gave her name simply as Funmi said some men were seen wielding cutlasses and other harmful objects during the unrest.
“It was a very serious matter. They were holding cutlasses and other sharp objects. Everyone has deserted the area,” Funmi said urging our correspondents to take precautions.
An official of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation, who asked not to be quoted yet, requested to be given time to get back when asked if ROMO members were part of the clash. He has not gotten back to our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, could not confirm whether lives were lost.
The police spokesperson, however, said the command was aware that properties were destroyed.
Odutola faulted the protest of the aggrieved Okada riders.
“They (motorcyclists) can have a peaceful protest, and they can bring their complaints through their different unions to the police. This particular gathering is illegal,” Odutola said.
Odutola said the police were still making efforts to restore peace to the area.
“We have not received a report of anyone confirmed dead; we don’t have that report yet. But I know they were destroying properties but we don’t know the extent of the destruction. The Divisional Police Officer is in contact with the Commissioner of Police,” the PPRO further said.
As of Wednesday evening, police vehicles were still seen stationed at strategic locations in the area.
