Udo Community in rant and rave as soldier shoots NURTW over outrageous toll

Udo Community in rant and rave as soldier shoots NURTW over outrageous toll 

By Eben Enasco Kingsley, Benin City

Okomu oil plc workers, schools, shops and other commuters transiting UDO community in Ovia South west Local Government Area of Edo State had their journey interrupted following massive protests embarked upon by angry youths over the deliberate shooting of their kinsman said to be employed by National Union Of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Udo branch by a soldier attached to Okomu oil plc.

It was gathered that the frenzy atmosphere broke out when a trigger-happy six-heavily armed military men stormed the toll gate in a white hilux van marked 033 with inscription Okomu oil Plc asserting that the barricades allegedly placed by NURTW and other revenue agents be evacuated whilst the later had refused to comply with as heavy tension erupted. Chairman of the spot who spoke on anonymity said at about 1pm on Monday the man shot by the soldier ordered 10 drivers to park their trailers loaded with fertilizer and as they obeyed, a man identified as Ebo and store keeper of Okomu Oil PLC came out as the one in charge of the packed fertilizers trailers. The said Ebo is from the community and a staff of Okomu oil. Trouble however, bigoted when the said Ebo later returned with six- armed soldiers. The soldiers later went into heated argument that eventually led to the shooting of the now injured toll collector while others scampered for safety.

When we visited Mr Iyendo Reuben in the hospital is currently recuperating, he opined that the soldiers were invited to ensure that the fertilizer contractor evades toll fee while admitting that he is as staff of the NURTW.

While the heated argument lasted, one of the armed military men lost his patient as he unavoidably pop his pellets in the direction of one Mr. Iyendo Reuben legs as he sustained heavy injury that triggered the boils.

According to an idiom in our native dialect, when you throw seeds of corn on birds, you would not expect extra motivation to charge the birds to go after it and that was what got the youths irked and perhaps resisted the men in uniform which aptly led to economic, social and academics activities to a hurt.

The protesters resorted to use of fire made of disused tyres and woods as it was sets at different spots on the major routes connecting Udo-Ukomu, Udo-Enikorogha, Udo-Iguobazuwa and other adjoined villages in the localities; which witnessed vehicular movement disruptions for several hours

The embattled toll gate is mounted on the popular udo-Okomu high way which is about 550meters after veering off Ora- Igueobazuwa axis.

However, it took the intervention of Divisional Police Officer, his men attached to Igueobazuwa divisional headquarters and the Iyase of Udo Community to stem down the rampaging youths.

Investigations revealed that similar toll gate was also at Ofunmwengbe junction(okada junction) within the same council with commuters lamenting that they have been subjected to excessive multiple toll whilst calling for the onward interventions of the state government. 

When our correspondent contacted the Spokeman 4BRIGADE, Nigeria Army, Benin City, Capt. Mohammed Maidawa he disclosed that he was yet to receive any information on the issue but however promised to make contact and get back to us as at press time of filing in this report.

Relatedly, the acting public relations officer Edo State Command SP Stephen Onwochei confirmed the shooting of a member of NURTW, adding that a statement have been obtained with the commissioner directing a full scale investigation into the shooting

The acting Police Spokesman however appealed to residents to remain calm as the police will continue to ensure adequate protection of lives and property in the state.

Meanwhile, comments accredited to the Iyase and Ihama of Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu and Chief Francis Osas Ihama respectively submitted that the shooting was unreasonable and unacceptable while condemning it in its entirety and as well calling for thorough investigation with view to prosecuting the soldier which he noted will serve as outright deterrents to some soldiers who feels they are above the law of the land.

The chief also lamented that the boy shot by the soldier do not work for the community and the soldier too. He maintained that he will set up a 5-man adhoc committee to look at how it all happened by restoring peace among dwellers.

“The community does not have problem with Okomu oil. The boy is not working for the community. The soldier is not also working for okomu oil, “he exclaimed

Similarly, attempts made by the reporter to reach the state chairman of NURTW, Comrade Odion Olaye proved abortive as he decline comments.