The loyalists of the sacked and controversial National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo allegedly attacked journalists during the inauguration of the Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Penpushing reports that the attack occurred on Thursday at the venue, where the attackers reportedly armed with machetes, knives, bottles, and sticks disrupted the event organised to tackle “one chance” crimes in the town.
The source said the attackers, led by one Segun Aluwaye, with others wearing caps bearing Oluomo’s image forced their way into the hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in the Utako district where the event was taking place.
Penpushing further reports that the thugs violently dispersed participants, including government officials, security operatives, journalists and several participants, while cameras, chairs, tables, and other equipment were vandalised during the attack and number of victims sustained injuries.
The Chapel Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Jide Oyekunle speaking with journalist condemned the attack, describing it as an affront to press freedom and public safety.
Penpushing also reports that Oyekunle stated that the attackers came specifically to target members of Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) and damaged cameras belonging to journalists covering the event.
The Chairman of Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) Israel Adeshola while reacting described the incident as a major setback to the association’s mission, explaining that miscreants stormed the venue with dangerous weapons, chasing dignitaries and guests out while injuring many of the association members
Penpushing reports that Adeshola, has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to hold MC Oluomo and his loyalists accountable for the attack, and urged Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect his members and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
The source, however, explained that the disruption was linked to the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and also learnt that Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) leadership explained that opposition to his (Olumo’s) leadership, prompting the attack by his loyalists.
Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that the Court of Appeal on November 8,2024 sacked MC Oluomo as the National President of the union and declared Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate leader, but despite the ruling, Oluomo reportedly resumed work on Tuesday at the headquarters of the union in Abuja.
Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report police vehicles were stationed at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to prevent further incidents, while Oluomo could not be reach for comments.
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