Three killed, 30 vehicles burnt in Yoruba-Hausa clash

A bloody clash between some Hausa and Yoruba in Ibese, Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State on Wednesday claimed the lives of three persons and left no fewer than 30 vehicles burnt.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the crisis on Thursday, learnt that the violent clash between the members of the two ethnic groups began on

Wednesday night following a disagreement between two unidentified men over a commercial sex worker.

The violence was said to have later escalated and became an inter-tribal crisis.

About 25 articulated vehicles, three cars and five motorcycles were said to have been destroyed in the violence. Also, almost all the shops in the nearby market were reportedly looted.

Residents of the busy town were said to have fled the community.

Armed policemen were deployed in the troubled town to forestall further break down of law and order while an Armoured Personnel Carrier was seen stationed in front of the Dangote Cement Factory located within the community.

The Chairman of the task force in the affected market, Sikirulah Akinsola, confirmed to newsmen that the violence erupted due to a disagreement between two persons over a commercial sex worker.

Akinsola, who also doubles as the Bada Orile of Ijako Village, a suburb of the town, said more than 200 persons of Yoruba extraction who felt aggrieved by the alleged killing of their kinsman had decided to demonstrate on the streets when the crisis erupted.

According to him, one Kehinde had also allegedly been killed last May by a suspected Hausa man in the town.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the incident, but said no one was killed.

Adejobi, an assistant superintendent of police however said the violence in the town had nothing to do with ethnicity.

He said, “It was caused by a prostitute and some of the drivers had a problem with some men who claimed to be Ibese indigenes. There was no ethnic colouration. There was no casualty and only 14 vehicles were burnt.”

-Punch

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