The transport union tax collectors, otherwise known as “agbero,” have bowed to pressure and agreed to revert to the old ticket price of N1000 after a violent clash between the union and the commercial motorcyclists in the Alagbole and Akute areas of Ogun State.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Thursday that the decision to revert to the old price was reached following a stakeholder meeting and engagement after the Wednesday violence.
The violence that hit the communities left passengers stranded and properties destroyed. Aside from the five people who were confirmed injured, the traders in Akute Market were not left out as hoodlums unleashed terror on them.
On Thursday, the Secretary of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycles Organisation, Olalekan Solola, said he could not comment on the matter because he was out of town when our correspondent reached out to him.
However, the state police command, in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Metro, confirmed the resolution while noting that peace had finally returned to the affected areas.
Reacting to the reversal to the old price, a commercial motorcyclist identified simply as Aminu told our correspondent that the decision was the only way to go.
Aminu said, “We could not be paying that amount, considering the amount we spend on fuel daily. There is no way we could afford it. The commuters are already complaining about the recent hike in fare prices owing to the cost of buying fuel.
“If they decided to jack up the price, this would have affected the transport fare, which is not good for business. This decision to go back to the old price is the only way to go.”
Another motorcyclist identified as Tunji advised the union to always consult with commercial motorcyclists before taking such a decision to prevent similar violence in the future.
He said, “Nobody likes violence. What happened yesterday affected both the union and motorcyclists. Proper consultation should be done when a decision like this is made.”
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, told our correspondent on Thursday that the five people who were injured had been taken to hospital for treatment.
She added that they had brokered peace and finally reached an agreement between the parties, warning that such incidents would not be tolerated in the state.
She noted, “We have brokered peace between the union and the riders. All parties have now agreed to go back to the old price. The safety of the community has been secured.
“We are on the trail of some of the suspects who participated in the unrest. We have met with critical stakeholders to eschew peace and embrace dialogue.”
PUNCH Metro correspondent who was at the scene of clash had reported that shops were shut down and some properties destroyed, just as residents and traders in the area scampered for safety.
The clash that broke out on Wednesday morning sent fear into the community as several residents could not go out and urged others who had left the area to remain where they were until peace was restored.
