By Godwin Oritse

There was pandemonium yesterday in the Okoko area of Lagos as a stakeholders’ meeting of the two factions of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) turned violent, leaving four unidentified members shot.

Speaking on the development, the State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr. Shamusedeen Ajala, told Vanguard that the union’s National President, Alhaji Musa Mohammad, has refused to relinquish the office after more than eight years in power.

Ajala further alleged that one Seyi Bamgbose mobilised thugs to disrupt the planned meeting, triggering the violence.

He explained that the crisis stems from a trade union dispute over the office of the National President, claiming the current leadership has been unfair to the South-West zone of the union.

Ajala also accused the National President and his supporters of attempting to forcefully take over the Lagos branch office by attacking members.

Meanwhile, in a counterclaim to Ajala’s allegations, a statement signed by Comrade Adeola Adeyemi, Vice Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), blamed Ajala for the crisis, alleging that Shamusedeen Ajala and his supporters initiated the violent attack on members loyal to the National President.

Part of the statement reads: “A serious security breach has been reported at the RTEAN Annex Office in Okoko, Lagos, following the violent disruption of a scheduled stakeholders’ meeting.

“The meeting, convened by Vice Chairmen of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), was aimed at addressing rising concerns over alleged intimidation, extortion, harassment and assaults on members.

“However, while participants were still assembling, the State Chairman, Alhaji Shamsudeen Ajala (KHAOSARA), reportedly arrived at the venue alongside Onabanjo Sulaimon (AJISHAKIN), Abdul Kareem Babatunde (ARO), Yakuba Alade and others.
“Eyewitnesses alleged that the group was armed and proceeded to disrupt the meeting violently. Gunshots were said to have been fired during the incident, leaving at least four members with serious gunshot injuries.

“This incident represents a grave threat to public safety and order. We hereby issue an urgent appeal to all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies, as well as the Lagos State Government, to Immediately secure the affected area and prevent further violence, ensure the prompt rescue and safe return of all abducted individuals, provide adequate protection for RTEAN members and witnesses. facilitate urgent medical support for the injured and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.”