By Uzor Odigbo
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called on security agencies at the ports to be on their toes as hoodlums hired by Lagos State Cargo and Transport Committee (LASTCOC) while imposing illegal sales of tickets assaulted Truckers at Tincan Island Port on 6th of February, 2024
The Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade Kennedy Ikemefuna, in a press statement revealed that the crisis lasted for hours and many of the Maritime Truckers were attacked with machetes and other dangerous weapons, leaving them (Truckers) with various degrees of injuries.
According to him, the thugs in their large numbers who were wielding all kinds of dangerous weapons, came into the Tincan Port to impose illegal sales of ticket at the gate beginning from the Tincan Port. He said heated argument ensued between the hoodlums and the Truck drivers which gave rise to the ugly crisis.
Kennedy Ikemefuna explained that it took the efforts of the security agencies at the port to douse the tension after serious exchange of gunshots by the hoodlums and the security agencies.
“The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Adewale Adeyanju condemns in totality the act of barbarism meted on Truckers at TCIT, Tincan Island Port on 6th of February, 2024 by hoodlums hired by the Lagos State Cargo & Transport Committee (LASTCOC)”.
”We as a Union frowns at this incessant criminality that’s always giving room to person’s and group of people or associations who have no business at the port and within the axis, coming to breach the peace of doing legitimate businesses at the maritime sector.”
The MWUN Head of Media however claimed that such attack is not the first of its kind as many lives and properties have been affected in the past.
He called on security agencies at the ports to be more conscious of every illegal movement and activities.
“It would be recalled that several attacks from same faceless associations also rocked the Tincan Port claiming lives and destroying vehicles at the port
”The Maritime Workers Union is appealing to all the security agencies at the ports to please be vigilant and be more proactive in the security of persons, Truckers and property in and around the ports, as no good business thrives in the face of hostilities and crisis as we have experienced in recent times,” he said