Violence in Nigeria: Political and union clashes leave multiple dead

Violent clashes involving political thugs and transport unions have caused multiple fatalities and injuries across Osun and Kwara states in Nigeria.

In Osun State, a dispute over control of the Naira and Kobo motor park in Ikire led to a violent confrontation between supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The violence resulted in the deaths of at least two civilians and left two police officers injured. During the melee, an unidentified group of hoodlums attacked a police patrol team, stealing an AK-47 service rifle and a patrol vehicle. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the killings and the attack on law enforcement, calling for a thorough investigation by the Osun State Police Command.

In Kwara State, rival transport unions clashed in Ilorin, specifically in the Idi-Araba and Itakudimo areas. The conflict, involving members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and other unions such as NURTW and RTEAN, left at least five people injured and hospitalized. Reports indicate that the violence involved youths armed with cutlasses and stones, leading to the seizure of over 100 tricycles and an attack on a NARTO office.