The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has absolved its members of complicity in the incidence of crime on Nigeria’s highways.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) on Friday in Osogbo, chairman of the union, Lekan Salami urged its members to support security agencies in tackling the challenge.

He attributed the increase in kidnapping on highways to motorists who pick passengers on roadsides, and unauthorised motor parks.

“We are not responsible for these grievous acts. We know ourselves and always control the activities of our people when it comes to making use of the highways.

“We ensure commercial vehicles register with us as a union, and that would make us know more about their movements.

“Most of the vehicles used in perpetuating crimes are vehicles with unregistered number plates owned by the perpetrators, especially at illegal motor parks,” he said.

The NURTW chairman solicited more support from stakeholders in the transport sector to ensure the safety of road users on highways.

He further said the union had been working with security agencies in the area of dissemination of credible information for the safety of road users.

Mr Salami advised commercial drivers to always ensure the safety of their passengers by obeying all traffic rules and regulations.

He also implored the state government and other stakeholders to contribute towards the protection of lives and properties on the highways.

(NAN)