A group known as the Advocacy Network on Religious and Cultural Coexistence (ANORACC) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the reported clash between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

President of the Non-governmental Organisation, Odimegwu Onwumere, in a stamen, described the incident which occurred around 2 p.m on Thursday, July 28, 2022, was an embarrassment both to the nation and humanity.

Media reports had it that the shootout which left residents around the Old Garage area via Rasco scampering for safety, occurred when operatives of NDLEA pursued a commercial bus to the Lagos Park located in the area but did not succeed in arresting the driver suspected to be carrying drugs and allegedly resorted to shooting sporadically to scare people when they were resisted by the motor union, and in the process, injured five members of the NURTW.

Onwumere said his group wondered where the NURTW procured guns with which it engaged the NDLEA in the shootout.

ANORACC frowned at the development, counseling that the country was in dire need of peace now.

The non-governmental organization said: “We condemn what happened at the park in Osun between the operatives of NDLEA and members of the NURTW. In modern civilisations, government security operatives hardly place their hands on triggers, but this is not the same with Nigerian security outfits in Nigeria, as reports of stray bullets in our news space are deafening.”

ANORACC therefore sued for peace and a thorough investigation into the matter because of the hyper-agitated situation the country was already facing.

“To prevent similar tragedies in the future, we urge the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation. No region of the country needs anarchy brought on by a tensed nation. There is no reason for any portion of humanity to become anxious and upset. All parties must work together for the establishment of peace.

“This will serve as a reminder to all citizens that there is still goodness in the world and will renew our faith in a world with greater peace. Hopefully, this will serve as a reminder to everyone of the value of brotherly love, friendliness toward neighbors, and forgoing differences with enemies,” Odimegwu Onwumere concluded.

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