The Chairman of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe has announced the immediate suspension of the activities of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the Local Development Area until further notice.

The suspension followed bloodbath between rival gangs in Aguda and Ijeshatedo axis of Coker-Aguda and Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Areas of Lagos.

Three persons have been confirmed dead with many injured.

The Nation learnt that two police officers were injured in the process of restoring peace.

The suspension, according to the council boss, becomes necessary to ensure safety of lives and properties of the people of Coker-Aguda LCDA.

Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe said the peace of the community was threatened by the clash between rival unions in the area on Sunday and the reprisal attack on Monday which led to the deaths of two and arrest of many others.

Lagos State Police Command said 75 persons have been arrested in connection with the fracas.

NURTW Lagos State Council Chairman Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (a.k.a MC Oluomo) described the council chairman’s action as a welcome development.

Though, he denied the involvement of members of his union in the commotion, Akinsanya however said he would support any action that would guaranty peace in the area.

Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe also directed operators of ‘Beer parlours’/Bars and viewing centres in the council area to close shop for their activities latest by 6pm until further notice.

According to her, the sale of local gin otherwise known as Paraga should be discontinued henceforth.

She announced a ban on shooting of bangers, street JAMZ/Carnivals during the festive period.

The directive, she said, is to ensure safety of the people especially during this yuletide period.

“We have adopted a security strategy and measures to forestall various attacks and activities that disrupt communal peace. We would not deviate from our zero-tolerance for violence and other nefarious activities.

“Any act that negates our peaceful coexistence would be not with full wrath of law,” she said.

She urged residents and visitors to the council to go about their businesses without fear as the situation has been brought under control by the prompt response of the Special Strike ‘F’ on social miscreants, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Area C Command, Aguda/ljeshatedo Police Division, Surulere and we have resolved to intensify patrol and surveillance in and around the Local Government.

Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe, who later went out to ascertain the level of havoc wrecked by the hoodlums, commiserated with those whose property were vandalised and looted.

The hoodlums were said to have burgled many shops during the melee and carted away goods worth millions of naira.

Banks Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) were not spared.

A clothier attendant, Michael Onyekachi, said the hoodlums destroyed the glasses and his brother’s shop and looted clothes and pair of shoes.

“We don’t know the worth of the goods stolen until we take proper stock. I am still waiting for my brother to come,” he said.

NURTW boss Akinsanya maintained that the fracas was between hoodlums.

He admitted that some of the union members might be involved in the commotion but quickly warned that such members if identified would be dismissed from the union.

“I have asked the chairmen of our branches in those areas and they said they were not involved in the fight. I learnt the police had arrested 75 suspects.

“We will appreciate if the police could profile them and let us know if there are union members among them.

“We will definitely punish those involve after they might have faced the wrath of the law. We want the police and the council chief to help identify any of our members involve.

“We are ready to help the police and the council to restore peace in the affected communities,” Akinsanya said. (The Nation)