By Deborah Nnamdi
The Oyo State Government has confirmed the death of four persons and injuries to several others following a violent clash between rival groups, including wheelbarrow pushers, in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area.
The government also assured residents that those responsible for the violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
The unrest, which began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning, reportedly stemmed from the killing of a commercial tricycle rider during a dispute linked to a failed Point-of-Sale (POS) transaction.
The violence forced traders, including operators at the popular Ojoo Motor Park managed by the Park Management System, to shut down their businesses as fear spread across the area.
Residents said the crisis started after an argument between some wheelbarrow pushers and a commercial tricycle rider over a cash withdrawal that could not be confirmed because of poor network service.
An eyewitness, identified as Iya Kadijat, said the rider had withdrawn money from a POS operator, but the transaction failed to reflect due to network issues.
According to her, the rider attempted to reassure the operator by handing over the key to his tricycle, the vehicle itself, and his mobile phone as security, insisting he had no intention of fleeing.
She alleged that while the disagreement was ongoing, another individual suddenly intervened, slapped the rider, and stabbed him. The victim was rushed to the hospital but later died on Wednesday morning.
The eyewitness said news of his death angered fellow tricycle operators, friends, and relatives, who mobilised to the area, triggering the violent confrontation.
Another resident, Azeez Olamiposi, claimed that an armed man carrying a rifle appeared during the clash before another person allegedly opened fire, killing another victim and injuring several others. The claims could not be independently verified.
Speaking during an assessment visit to the affected area on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal attributed the violence to criminal elements and appealed to residents to remain calm.
He said the civil unrest had been instigated by criminals, stressing that criminality had no tribal identity.
Lawal reaffirmed the state’s commitment to restoring peace and maintaining its reputation for stability and peaceful coexistence.
He also assured residents that security agencies had been directed to arrest all those involved in the violence and ensure they were brought to justice.
