The Oyo State Government on Wednesday confirmed that four people were killed and several others injured during a violent clash between rival groups, including wheelbarrow pushers, in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
The government also assured residents 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 tricycle rider during a dispute over a Point-of-Sale transaction.
The PUNCH observed that traders in the area, including those at the popular Ojoo Motor Park managed by the Park Management System, shut down their businesses as tension gripped the community.
Residents said the violence erupted after an argument involving some wheelbarrow pushers and a commercial tricycle rider 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An eyewitness, who identified herself as Iya Kadijat, said the tricycle rider had withdrawn money from a POS operator, but the transaction could not be confirmed because of poor network service.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.
Another resident, Azeez Olamiposi, alleged that an armed man carrying a rifle appeared during the clash before another individual allegedly opened fire, killing another victim and injuring several others.
The claims could not be independently verified by The PUNCH.
Speaking during an assessment visit to the area on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, 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.”
The deputy governor assured residents that security agencies had been directed to apprehend those behind the violence and ensure they faced justice.
Cc Punch