Pandemonium broke out Wednesday at Akute Bus Stop and Alagboole in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State following a violent clash between commercial motorcyclists and transport union tax collectors, popularly known as Agbero, over a hike in ticket prices.
Our correspondent, who was at the scene, reports that shops were shut down and some properties were destroyed, just as residents and traders in the area scampered to safety.
A stranded commuter, identified simply as Aminu, who spoke with VOA News, claimed the motorcyclists were fighting a just cause, saying, “It is unreasonable to increase their ticket price from N700 to N1400, considering the cost of fuel. Where will they get money from? This cannot continue.”
Even though there were claims that one person was feared killed, our correspondent, who was at the scene of the clash, could not verify this.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, could not confirm whether lives had been lost.
The police spokesperson, however, said the command was aware that some properties were destroyed, but they were yet to know the extent of the damage.
”They (motorcyclists) can have a peaceful protest, and they can bring their complaints through their different unions to the police. This particular gathering is illegal,” Odutola said.
…Details later