A leadership dispute within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) reportedly erupted into violence in Abuja on September 12, 2022, leading to residents fleeing the area amid the sound of gunshots.
According to Sahara Reporters, Tajudeen Badru Agbede mobilized thugs from Lagos state to storm the union's secretariat in Garki 2, where they attacked the current president, Tajudeen Baruwa, and other national officers.
The dispute is said to have been simmering for over a year, sparked by Lagos chairman Musiliu Akinsanya's rebellion against the national leadership.The ongoing strife within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) took a dark turn in Abuja, with security officials standing by as chaos unfolded before them. The attack on the national secretariat, allegedly orchestrated by the Lagos state chairman Musiliu Akinsanya, appears to be part of his bid to reclaim his national stature within the union.
While security forces including the State Security Services (SSS) and the Nigeria Police Force were deployed to maintain order, they allegedly stood idly by as the violence ensued.
This passive response raises questions about the role of security in maintaining public safety.
In 2022, Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, was suspended from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) over allegations of insubordination and other infractions.
While he was later pardoned, he refused to apologise to his seniors, leading to the dissolution of his executive cabinet by the national leadership.
With Tajudeen Baruwa's tenure ending, Akinsomo allegedly plotted to support Tajudeen Agbede's bid to lead the interim caretaker committee that would run the union until the next election.
Tensions between the Baruwa and Agbede factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) came to a head when the Baruwa camp attempted to retake the secretariat from the Agbede faction, but were thwarted by security agents who fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. This use of force escalated the volatile atmosphere that had been building for some time.
MC Oluomo's recent return to the NURTW, citing his disagreements with the Baruwa leadership as the reason for his earlier departure, further heightened tensions.