LAGOS AUGUST 2ND (URHOBOTODAY)-The brewing crisis in the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW) in Uvwie Local Government Council, Delta State, has left at least two police officers shot and several people injured. Property worth millions of Naira were alleged to have been lost to the crisis as shops and business places were broken into with property and cash carted away by hoodlums.
Police report alleged that the officers were shot by youths suspected to be loyal to the factions embroiled in the fracas which started last which started last Wednesday.
It was learnt that the deposed NURTW leadership led by Napoleon Adobu, which enjoy the support of the council chairman, Hon. Henry Baro, has regained control of Uvwie Central Motor Park, just as report has it that no fewer than 44 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
While confirming the case of the injured policemen, spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, said the police officers were shot at different locations in the council area.
Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, in a statement disclosed that an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, and a sergeant deployed to maintain peace in the area were presently receiving treatment in hospitals.
According to the police image maker, “On 29/7/2015 at about 0700hr, the Area Commander, Warri received information that following the change of leadership by the National Union of Road Transport workers Union (NURTW) Uvwie chapter, leading to the emergence of one Ariyor Francis ‘m’ as chairman, pockets of violent protests erupted in the area.
“Based on the report, patrol teams were quickly mobilised to the scene, and at Jakpa junction, the protesters shot at the policemen, as a result of which an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) was hit in his buttocks by a bullet from one of the protesters.
“The victim was rushed to Central Hospital Warri for treatment. Later, the police reinforced and trailed the protesters to Agofure Motor Park on NPA –DSC expressway Warri where the said protesters had gathered to cause more crisis and destruction and arrested 44 male suspects.”