Rival Transport Unions Clash in Ilorin, Five Hospitalized

On Monday, a violent clash between rival transport unions in Ilorin, Kwara State, resulted in more than five individuals being hospitalized. The conflict disrupted activities around the Idi-Araba and Itakudimo areas and was reportedly triggered by an alleged attack on the office of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Witness Mubaraq Bello described how armed youths arrived in tricycles and began throwing stones at the NARTO office. Abubakar Olatunbosun, a member of NARTO, accused members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, and the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria of initiating the violence.

He stated that over 100 tricycles belonging to NARTO members were seized during the incident. Injured individuals Abdulwasiu Jamiu and Lukman Iyanda reported being attacked and having their tricycles taken.

The clash reflects rising tensions over tricycle operations and transport union activities in the state, exacerbated by an alleged directive from the Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Korasabi.