Workers clash with Peoples Congress

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) clashed with the Oodua People's Congress in Ibadan -- located approximately 78 mi/125 km northwest of Lagos -- on 28 August 2008 over an apparent battle to control the state's motor parks. Witnesses stated that the fighting began with a misunderstanding, and quickly escalated to a riot at approximately 1800 local time. Violence was reported at the Bola Ige International Market, Gbagi and residential areas around Iwo Road. Anti-riot police officers were deployed to the scene, and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least five police officers and two civilians were killed, and many shops and vehicles were destroyed. Ibadan police officers have stated that the situation is now under control and that several people have been arrested.