The Oyo State Government confirmed on Wednesday that four people were killed and many others wounded in a violent confrontation between opposing groups, including wheelbarrow pushers, in the Ojoo region of Akinyele Local Government Area.
The authorities also guaranteed citizens that those accountable for the violence would face arrest and prosecution.
The conflict, which started on Tuesday night and persisted into Wednesday morning, allegedly ensued after the murder of a commercial tricycle driver during an argument over a point-of-sale transaction.
Traders in the area, including those at the popular Ojoo Motor Park, managed by the Park Management System, shut down their businesses as tension gripped the community.
Residents stated that the violence erupted after an argument involving some wheelbarrow pushers and a commercial tricycle rider over a failed POS transaction caused by network issues.
According to an eyewitness, who identified herself as Iya Kadijat, the tricycle rider had withdrawn money from a POS operator, but the transaction could not be confirmed because of poor network service.
She said, “Around 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight, a man riding a Maruwa went to a POS at Strabag because he wanted to make a withdrawal.
“They gave him the money, but while they were trying to complete the transaction, the network was bad. He had already collected the money and used it, but the POS operator said the transaction had not gone through.
“He said, ‘This is the key to my Maruwa. This is my Maruwa. This is my phone. You can keep them. I’m not running anywhere.’
“While they were arguing, somebody suddenly came, slapped him and stabbed him. He was rushed to the hospital but died on Wednesday morning.”
She remarked that the death of the rider infuriated his coworkers, friends, and family, prompting them to gather in the area, which resulted in the violence.
Another local, Azeez Olamiposi, claimed that a gunman with a rifle showed up during the conflict before someone else reportedly fired shots, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
During an evaluation visit to the region on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal attributed the violence to criminal groups and urged residents to stay calm.
“The civil unrest in this area has been instigated by criminal elements. Criminals are simply criminals, and criminality has no tribal identity. Our priority is to ensure the restoration of peace and stability here in Ojoo and, indeed, across every part of Oyo State,” Lawal said.
He added, “Oyo State has always been renowned for its peaceful coexistence, stability, progress and development. Despite the current situation, we remain committed to sustaining that legacy.”
The deputy governor of the state assured residents that security agencies had been directed to apprehend those behind the violence and ensure they faced justice.
