Men of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, Tuesday, averted what would have been a serious bloodbath at central motor park, Ughelli, Delta State.
Otor-Iwhreko youths and National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the area have been on war path for about one year over who controls the motor park.
While the NURTW was of the view that the control of motor parks was within their purview, the Otor-Iwhreko community was of the view that they should be allowed to control the motor park in their area. They argued that Otovwodo, Afiesere and Ekiugbo people were in charge of the motor parks in their areas.
According to a dependable source, Chairman of the NURTW in the motor park, Mr. Emonena Akpodiete and his vice, Mr. Felix Olokpa have been embroiled in leadership crisis. The source who pleaded anonymity said all attempts to resolve the crisis failed.
When contacted, Mr. Felix Olokpa alleged that the community youths had destroyed his property after chasing his wife from the house. Mr. Emonena Akpodiete on his part said the property of Mr Felix Olokpa was not destroyed and his wife was not also chased away by the youths, describing the allegation as false.
Akpodiete said in line with the decision reached in their last peace meeting, “I told my Vice that he should bring 50 per cent of the workforce while I bring 50 per cent but he refused.”
“We gave the community two units; pick-up and trailer units to take full control of, besides that Akpodiete is also the chairman of my unit, taxi/bus,” Felix Olokpa said.
Youth chairman of Otor-Iwhreko, Mr Felix Okoro while speaking to newsmen appealed to the Local Government Council to allow “the community to run the motor park as it is being done in other motor parks in the council area.”
Efforts made to reach the Local Government Council Chairman proved abortive as at press time. However, a council official who does not want his name in print said the council has taken over the running of the park pending when the crisis would be resolved. [Vanguard]
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