Commercial drivers both intra and inter-state in Osogbo, Osun State have suspended activities across the state.
This follows the the statement by Secretary of the OSTMS, Alhaji Mukaila Popoola, directing motor parks across the State to suspend activities in solidarity with the shooting of the Chairman, Osun State Transport Management System, OSTMS, Mr. Nurudeen Ishola, popularly called Alowonle, while in Police Custody.
A visit round Osogbo, the state capital and some areas in Olorunda and Egbedore local government areas of the state showed students and workers stranded at various bus stops.
Some residents in an interview said they were not aware of the suspension of activities by commercial transporters.
One of them, Mrs. Bola Adeigbe, expressed her displeasure by the officers of OSTMS who asked one of the mini bus driver known as Korope to drop their passengers and had to trek the remaining distance to her children school.
They called on the state government to intervene in the situation as some students and workers who could not afford the charges by Okada riders have to return back home.
Meanwhile, police and the Osun park management have trade blame over shooting of the PMS chairman
In a statement, the Osun State Park Management System accused the police of shooting its Chairman, Mr. Nurudeen Iyanda, popularly known as Alowonle, while in custody.
The group’s Secretary, Mr. Mukaila Popoola alleged that Iyanda was shot in the early hours of yesterday after being arrested over a domestic issue.
He urged members to remain calm and refrain from taking the laws into their hands.
Also, in reaction to the allegation in a statement, the Acting Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun State Command, Mr. Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, claimed that Iyanda was shot while trying to escape from custody.
Mr. Giwa-Alade explained that Iyanda had initially been arrested alongside some associates on Monday over allegations of murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and malicious damage.
He stressed that a petition accusing Nurudeen Wakili, a.k.a. Alowonle, of these crimes was submitted to the Commissioner of Police and referred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for investigation.
Mr. Giwa – Alade said ”Police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, moved to Ring Road, Osogbo, where the suspect and his cohorts were reportedly planning to attack the complainant. On sighting the police, the suspects opened fire but were eventually subdued.
Nine suspects, including Alowonle, were arrested at the scene. However, as they were being transported, supporters of the suspect ambushed the police, forcibly rescuing him and four others, who all escaped while still in handcuffs.”
He explained further that the police traced the suspects to a hideout in the Susi area of Oke Baale, Osogbo, where Iyanda was rearrested.
“During a search of his vehicle, a Barrett pistol, six rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and an expanded empty shell were recovered. He made another attempt to escape during the search but was subdued and shot in the process. He is currently receiving treatment and is responding well,” he added.
Meanwhile, Security Operatives have been deployed to the Ilesa Garage area of Osogbo to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
