The Osun State Police Command says calm has returned to Osogbo after officers intervened in a violent clash involving rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
According to a statement released on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the disturbance began when members of one faction staged a protest, alleging that the dominant faction had barred their vehicles from entering a motor park.
The protest later turned violent, resulting in clashes between the opposing groups and disrupting public peace as well as commercial activities in parts of the Osun State capital.
The statement read, “The Osun State Police Command has express deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred today 20th July, 2026; following a protest by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in Osun State that their vehicles were not allowed into the garage by the dominant faction which reportedly escalated into clashes involving another faction of the union in Osogbo.”
The command said officers responded promptly after receiving distress calls and used minimal force to disperse the protesters and restore normalcy.
It added, “Immediately the Police Command received the distress call about the incident that leads to disruption of public peace and normal commercial activities, the Police swiftly swung into action and use minimal force to disperse the protester as to restore normalcy.
READ ALSO: Lagos NURTW rival groups clash in Obalende
“Meanwhile, officers have been stationed at the various packs within the State to avoid further breakdown of law and order.”
The police appealed to leaders and members of the rival factions to end the violence and pursue peaceful dialogue or channel their grievances through the appropriate authorities.
It stated, “The Command call on all members and leaders of the affected factions to immediately cease all forms of hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue as the appropriate means of resolving grievances or channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters.”
The command also urged stakeholders to refrain from actions that could heighten tensions while the appropriate authorities determine who should oversee the motor parks.
It warned that anyone found responsible for acts of violence or other criminal offences during the investigation would be prosecuted.
“The Police and other Security Agencies have been charged to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident.
Anyone found to have engaged in violence, or any other criminal act will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement added.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan called on residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear and support security agencies by providing credible information.
The command further cautioned members of the public against circulating unverified information that could incite panic or worsen the situation.