By Faith Ijeh
The executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) have agreed to track members’ vehicles electronically to address the spate of kidnapping and insecurity on expressways.
The union disclosed this during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Zone II Secretariat, Ikirun road, Osogbo, on Tuesday.
According to the union, it is imperative to use electronic tracking device in curbing the menace of kidnapping and insecurity on expressways across the country.
Addressing newsmen after the NEC meeting, the National President of NURTW, Tajudeen Baruwa, lamented that the union had lost many members to banditry and kidnapping, noting that government has not been compensating the victims.
He said: “We have discussed extensively on the issue of securing our people from the spate of kidnappings, banditry and killings in the country. The council after series of deliberation and discussion from stakeholders across nation considered e-Tracking of commercial operation for our members to reduce the spate of crime and ensure adequate security for all. We have resolved to use tracking to monitor our members’ vehicles. This will help us to alert our members of impending dangers.
“We admonish our members to be security conscious because the issue of insecurity in Nigeria is worrisome. Our members are being kidnapped across the country; we have lost many members as a result of insecurity and there is no compensation from the government. So we really need to be careful and vigilant when we are on the steering. E-tracking will help passengers and our members after we put it to use.”
Baruwa revealed that the union will commence 200-unit housing estate in each of the states of the federation for its members to assist in their welfare.
The president also kicked against the decision of Oyo, Ogun and Ondo State governors to proscribe the union in their states. He warned that if the decision was not reversed, the union will not hesitate to drag the respect governments to court.
He enjoined Federal Government to capture members of the union in the Survival Fund initiated to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
