Abuja: NURTW President, Others Detained Over Planned Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) have been detained by the Nigerian police, over a planned protest by members of the union.

Those arrested are the President of the NURTW, Tajudeen  Baruwa and three others, while the Secretariat in Abuja has been sealed up.

Others arrested include General Secretary, Anthony Chukudi; Olayi Odion; National Trustee, and Principal Assistant Secretary, Abdulrasak Yemi.

Report said the officers are currently being detained at the Wuse Zone 3 Division.

The officers were arrested on the premises of the secretariat Friday evening when armed policemen and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the secretariat and asked all the occupants to vacate the building.

The Union had, on Wednesday, August 9 issued a statement alleging plans by some people to stage violent protest at the secretariat of the union against the delegates conference slated for Saturday, August 12.

The Union had requested police protection from the Federal Capital Territory Command to guard against any attack and possible breakdown of law and order.

The Deputy President of the Union, Mr. Isa Ore, who confirmed the development on Saturday, said the union is shocked to see the police locking their offices without giving them any reason.

“Today, Saturday, we were preparing for the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected National Administrative Council members, but we just saw police and they asked us to leave the premises.

“They said it was an order from above and they have detained our president and other leaders at Wuse police station.”

The Union had in May, held  election that produced new officials that were supposed to be formally inaugurated today (Saturday), August 12.