The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed that one person was killed while many were injured when two rival groups clashed at the Oja Oba area of Ibadan.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Adekule Ajisebutu, said that only one person died in the clash contrary to reports making the rounds.
The clash temporarily paralysed commercial activities at Orita merin, Oja Oba and Mapo areas of Ibadan metropolis on Wednesday.
“ One person died. The Commissioner of Police has ordered 24-hour security coverage of the affected areas with a view to protecting lives and property,” Ajisebutu said.
The police spokesman said that some arrests had been made, adding that normalcy had returned to the areas.
He warned those with any intention to foment trouble to desist, saying ” acts causing breach of public peace will be visited with prosecution.’’
Some eyewitnesses, however, claimed that no fewer than six people were killed during the violence.
According to a source who did not want his name published, the chaotic situation is a daily occurrence in the areas as rival groups
constantly engage each other in supremacy battle over trivial issues.
He said that the latest crisis started about three days ago and got to a climax on Tuesday when dangerous weapons like guns and clubs were reportedly used.
Another source attributed the clash to tussle over the collection of illegal fee from a truck driver.
A visit to the area on Wednesday revealed a heavy presence of armed mobile policemen, soldiers as well as personnel of the state security outfit, Operation Burst.
