Security operatives on Monday cordoned off the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja following an escalation in the union’s long-standing leadership crisis.
Armed personnel were reportedly deployed to the secretariat on orders from “higher authorities,” effectively barring entry to all members and visitors.
An operative at the scene indicated the restriction could last for a week or more.“You can’t enter the premises. I think it will last a week or two… maybe tomorrow,” he added.
The lockdown followed an earlier attempt by Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa to assert control of the secretariat, displacing loyalists of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
Baruwa claimed his action was in line with favourable court judgments.“This is not a forceful takeover but a step to enforce court orders.
We have waited for about two years, but they refused to comply,” Baruwa told journalists before the lockdown tightened.
Eyewitnesses reported that the deployment of armed personnel heightened tensions, with supporters of both factions gathering briefly before being dispersed.
According to Vanguard, the standoff highlights growing concerns about potential violence as the protracted dispute continues to pit Baruwa against Akinsanya’s faction.
Security agencies remained stationed around the secretariat at press time, and it remains unclear when normal activities will resume.
