CITIZENS COMPASS— A violent clash between some rival groups in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, has claimed some lives and injured many others.
The clash occurred in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
Among the rival groups were wheelbarrow pushers, in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the violence, the Oyo State Government said that four people were killed and several others were injured.
The state government also said that those responsible for the violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
The clash, which began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning, reportedly followed the killing of a commercial tricyclist during a dispute over a Point-of-Sale transaction.
Fear gripped many residents, including those at the popular Ojoo Motor Park managed by the Park Management System who shut down their businesses.
Residents said the violence erupted after an argument involving some wheelbarrow pushers and a commercial tricyclist over a failed POS transaction caused by network issues.
An eyewitness, who identified herself as Iya Kadijat, said the tricycle rider had withdrawn money from a POS operator, but the transaction could not be confirmed because of poor network service.
She said, “Around 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight, a man riding a Maruwa went to a POS at Strabag because he wanted to make a withdrawal.
“They gave him the money, but while they were trying to complete the transaction, the network was bad. He had already collected the money and used it, but the POS operator said the transaction had not gone through.
“He said, ‘This is the key to my Maruwa. This is my Maruwa. This is my phone. You can keep them. I’m not running anywhere.’
“While they were arguing, somebody suddenly came, slapped him and stabbed him. He was rushed to the hospital but died on Wednesday morning.”
She added that the rider’s death angered his colleagues, friends and relatives, who mobilised to the area, leading to the violence.
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, blamed the violence on criminal elements and urged residents to remain calm.
“The civil unrest in this area has been instigated by criminal elements. Criminals are simply criminals, and criminality has no tribal identity. Our priority is to ensure the restoration of peace and stability here in Ojoo and, indeed, across every part of Oyo State,” Lawal said.
He added, “Oyo State has always been renowned for its peaceful coexistence, stability, progress and development. Despite the current situation, we remain committed to sustaining that legacy.”
—PUNCH
