Three feared killed as hoodlums clash in Ibadan

Three feared killed as hoodlums clash in Ibadan

SESAN
4 MAY 2018

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

Three people were feared killed on Thursday, while many were injured as hoodlums clashed in Abebi, Oloosa-Oko, Oopo and Orita-Merin areas of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Residents said the fight started three days ago when a popular Fuji musician visited the Gbagi area of the ancient town to perform in commemoration of the Workers Day.

A resident of Abebi, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The musician threw some cash to the hoodlums and they began to struggle for it. There were two gangs. One felt the other had more of the money and the gang wanted to take the money back. Fight started from the struggle and it began to spread to other areas in Ibadan.

“We alerted the chief security officer of the areas, Chief Gbenga Akinyemi, to the brewing crisis, but he was not around to quell it. The police came the second day when the fight escalated and restored peace. But the peace was again disrupted when another round of fight broke out again. One Hammed Barika and two others were killed during exchange of gunshots. It was only when anti-riot policemen arrived that the hoodlums ran away.”

The resident added that there was still panic among the people in the affected areas with the news that the hoodlums were regrouping.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the incident, but said he was not aware of the killings.

“I am not aware of any death. However, there was actually a public disturbance by some hoodlums. The police responded swiftly and restored normalcy. Some arrests have been made and the case is under investigation,” he said.