At least five people are feared dead following a violent clash over the control of a motor park at Naira and Kobo Garage in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
The incident occurred on Monday amid escalating tensions surrounding the control of motor parks and transport union structures in the state.
Reports indicate that the victims allegedly included three commercial bus drivers and two passersby. However, the Osun State Police Command has confirmed that shootings occurred at the garage but said it was still gathering information to establish whether there were casualties.
The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the shooting, saying security authorities were working to obtain accurate information about the incident.
The violence reportedly erupted following a dispute over who should control the Naira and Kobo Garage, with rival political and transport groups allegedly laying competing claims to motor parks across Osun.
Sources said the development is connected to the prolonged crisis involving factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the broader political struggle over control of transport garages in the state.
The latest confrontation has reportedly caused panic among residents and transport workers in Ikire, with some businesses and markets hurriedly closing as the situation escalated. A video circulating online purportedly showed bodies at the scene following the shooting.
The crisis comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the August 15 Osun governorship election and competing claims over the control of motor parks and grassroots political structures.
The dispute over motor parks is not entirely new. In July, the Osun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) suspended the activities of transport unions across public motor parks in the state following a series of violent incidents. ALGON also called on security agencies to take over motor parks and garages across the state to protect lives and property.
The latest violence has renewed concerns about the safety of commuters, commercial drivers, traders and residents who depend on the affected garages for transportation and economic activities.
Security agencies are expected to intensify their presence in Ikire and other motor parks across the state to prevent further escalation.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remained unconfirmed by the police, while investigations into the shooting were ongoing.