Osun govt alerts residents on infiltration of commercial transporters by criminals

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

Osun State Government has charged residents of the state to be more security-conscious.

The government stated that through its intelligence report there is infiltration of commercial transport operators by criminal elements to harm unsuspecting citizens using motorcycles and mini-buses popularly called korope.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode on Wednesday.

Egbemode urged residents to avoid motorcycles, mini-buses or buses without registration numbers while directing transport unions to dispatch their enforcement teams to ensure strict adherence to the safety guidelines and rules laid down by the Ministry of Works and Transport.

She said, “the government, through intelligence report, is aware of the infiltration of the ranks of commercial transport operators in the state by some criminal elements who are now attempting to harm unsuspecting citizens using motorcycles and mini-buses (korope) especially.

“The video of a young lady making the rounds who was fortunate to escape the plot confirms the report.

“Specifically, the National Union of Road Transport Workers is charged not to allow any of its members to be used for nefarious activities that threaten the security of the state.

“The security formations of the State have been fully briefed on this new development, and appropriate actions are being taken to ensure that these unscrupulous elements do not disrupt the peace of the State.”

The Commissioner urged residents to report all suspicious movements or presence around their communities or places of residence through the state’s emergency line.

She however, assured that Governor  Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration will continue to do everything possible to protect citizens of the state from actual and potential threats.