Alowonle: Osun Transport Workers Reportedly Unleash Havoc In Osogbo

There was palpable fear in Osogbo, Osun state capital on Wednesday morning, as members of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS) reportedly took to the streets, leaving scores injured and properties damaged.

It was gathered that the transport workers stormed Ọlà-Ìyá, Oroki Estate, Òkè-fíà, Old Garage, and other parts of Osogbo and injured scores of people, who had made it out early for their normal businesses.

The unrest follows the controversial shooting of their Chairman, Mr. Iyanda Alowonle, who is currently on life support after being shot by a police officer.

Osun Defender also gathered that passengers were disallowed from accessing public transport, due to today’s strike by OSTMS officials.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement on Wednesday issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has called for calm and urged transport workers not to take laws into their hands.

READ: Students, Residents, Others Stranded As Transportation Activities Suspended In Osun

The Governor assured residents that justice would be served, revealing that the Inspector General of Police had ordered the arrest and prosecution of Superintendent of Police Moses Lohor, who is alleged to have shot Mr. Alowonle in police custody.

Meanwhile, the Police authorities are yet to confirm the arrest of Lohor, with multiple reports claiming the affected officers are on their way to Abuja for interrogation.

According to the statement, “Amidst tension in Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for peace to allow the authorities to investigate and deliver justice on the attempted murder of Mr Alowonle Iyanda, the state motor transport system chairman.

“The Governor particularly pleaded with transport workers statewide not to take laws into their hands and allow state and federal authorities to address the issue for justice to prevail.

“The Governor noted that he had spoken to the Inspector General of Police and that immediate actions have been directed by the police authorities to bring to book those who shot the State Park Management System chairman.

“I call on Osun transport workers to maintain peace and not to take laws into their own hands. I have acted on this sad incident. I spoke with the police Chief and I had a closed-door meeting with the Commissioner of Police. Justice will be served.

“We will not allow agents of violence to destroy the peace and stability of our dear state. Do not be provoked to violence. Go about your normal duties while we handle this serious threat to the peace of our state”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

“Meanwhile, following the fatal shooting of the Chairman of Osun State Motor Transport System, Comrade Iyanda Alowonle, the Inspector General of Police has ordered immediate arrest and prosecution of Head of Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Osun State, Moses Lohor and members of his team for attempted murder.

“This was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Security, Samuel Ojo Esq after a closed door meeting between the Governor and the State Commissioner of Police.

“Moses Lohor had shot Mr Alowonle in the abdomen at the police station after his arrest over a domestic brawl with a neighbor. The park chairman is currently on life support at the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

“Mr Ojo narrated that the police authorities frowned at Moses’ conduct as unprofessional, illegal, unauthorized, and against operational code, noting that Moses and his men are about to be moved to Abuja this morning.

“We can confirm that the police authorities at the highest level have acted decisively on this matter. A clear punitive directive was issued by the IG. Mr Governor has directed we follow up to ensure that justice is served”, Mr Ojo noted.”