How Small Misunderstanding Led To Ethnic Violence In Oyo

Some residents of the Shasha, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State said the violence and destruction that happened on Friday could have been avoided.

A measure of calm has returned to the market following the imposition of curfew and the immediate closure of the market.

According to reports, hoodlums took over some areas in Akinyele Local Government, as an ethnic conflict ensued between Yorubas and Hausa traders. Unconfirmed reports revealed that three persons were killed in the clash, while shops and other properties were said to have been burnt in the area by hoodlums who reportedly took advantage of the situation to wreak havoc on innocent residents. However, the police only confirmed one death.

READ ALSO: Oyo Shuts Down Shasha Market Over Ethnic Violence

Residents who said they fled the area following the violence narrated that what led to the violence was indeed a minor issue. 

A pregnant Yoruba woman had an altercation with a Hausa man. A Yoruba man (cobbler) had interfered in support of the woman which angered the Hausa man. A fight ensued between both men when all of a sudden, the Hausa man brought out a voodoo ring to hit the Yoruba man, leading to his death, reports said.

The security agencies were reported to be at Ojoo area, in the early hours of today to restore peace to Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo state. However, the event caused a heavy traffic jam at Iwo road to Ojoo expressway, as Hausa trailer drivers couldn't move due to fear of being attacked by hoodlums. 

The Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji  had called for calm at a Stakeholders meetings where he admonished all warring groups in the ongoing tribal clash, to sheathe their sword and embrace peaceful co-existence.

The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde had ordered the closure of Shasha market indefinitely and imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Shasha and its environs in the wake of the clash that led to the killing and destruction of properties.