.. As NURTW Lagos Chairman denies sponsoring attack on #EndSARS protesters
By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Following the viral video that went on social media of thugs who disrupted #EndSARS protesters at Alausa coming out of one of the buses belonging to Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) with serial Nos 240171, the Managing Director, LBSL, Mr. Idowu Oguntona on Thursday has suspended all bus operations for the safety of passengers as a result of the incident during the #EndSARS protest in Lagos
This development may have put commuters in a dilemma as the popular metro buses have eased transportation for many and mitigated the burden of Lagosians.
Recall that thugs attacked #EndSARS protesters at Alausa Government office area and was alleged to have used the Lagos bus service to convey the attackers.
Read also: #ENDSARS: Why Nigerian Youths Are Still Protesting – Adesua Etomi
Rumours went viral on social media pointing at the Lagos State Government as being sponsors of the thugs.
But the Lagos State Government in a statement has distanced themselves from having sponsored the thugs to attack the protesters who have daily laid siege at entrance of Government House.
In a statement released by the Public Affairs Officer of the Lagos bus service, Mr Afolabi Olawale, it said no Lagos Bus was used to commute persons to disrupt the ongoing protests as contrary to what the people think.
Explaining what transpired, the management of LBSL said, “the bus was heading towards Oshodi from Berger around 8 a.m when some armed individuals disembarked from a particular yellow vehicle in front of the bus at the Secretariat Bus Stop.
“It ran into armed people approaching the bus. When the commuters sighted them heading towards our bus, they scampered for safety due to the imminent danger.
One of the passengers even tried to escape through the rear window of the bus. However, the armed group, whose identity remains unknown, later went their way without attacking the bus,” he said.
Oguntona insisted that none of the buses was used to convey persons to disrupt the ongoing #EndSARS protests.
He said, “Gov. Sanwo-Olu has consistently spoken to protesters on their rights to peaceful protest, hence cannot support thugs in any form.
“It is quite disheartening that this incident is linked to the activities of some hoodlums in spite of the level of understanding shown by the state government since the beginning of the #EndSarsProtest.
“I plead for understanding from all esteemed passengers. I reiterate the rights of people to peaceful protests and condemn any attack on people participating in the protest,” he said
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Union of the Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State Council, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo) has described allegations that he sponsored attacks on #EndSARS protesters at Alausa as false.
Read also: Thugs Attack #EndSARS Protesters in Lagos, Osun Again
Oluomo said the allegation was mischievous as he had supported #EndSARS protesters on Oct 11.
The union leader said: “I was surprised when my aides brought it to my attention what people were tweeting on the issue.
“I couldn’t have been involved in such act because I support the quest to reform the police force. How will I do such when my brothers and sisters are among the protesters?”
