From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.
Normalcy has returned to the ancient town of Oyo after a political violence which claimed two lives on Monday.
A trip conducted round the town by our correspondent showed that the popular Akesan Market was opened for business, as traders were seen displaying their commodities for customers’ patronage.
A vehicle belonging to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which was burnt beyond recognition by irate mob, was seen in the middle of the road close to Ode-Aremo open space, venue of the rally.
Besides Akesan, streets of other areas such as Pakoyi, Awumaro and Oroki, where the violence spread to, were littered with broken bottles.
It was reliably gathered that one of the two persons killed was a primary one pupil who was said to be returning from the school when the violence erupted.
He was said to have been hit with a stray bullet.
About six persons, who sustained serious injuries, were said to have been rejected at the two private hospitals they were taken to initially in the town, due to complications involved.
They were said to have been taken to an undisclosed government hospital for treatments.
But for the timely intervention of both the Area Police Commander, Wale Oloko, and the Officer-in-charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Sola Aremu, the situation would have degenerated into bloodbath.
However, residents have urged security agencies to, as a matter of utmost concern, embark on intensive surveillance of Akesan and Owode motor garages, with a view to nipping in the bud several nefarious activities of miscreants.
Some of the residents, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, described the miscreants as threats to security of lives and properties, saying that “were it not for them, the Monday violence would not have happened’.
