Two persons were feared dead with scores injured Wednesday during a clash between some Yoruba and Hausa youth in Ojoo area of Ibadan.
Sources said the clash erupted Tuesday night when a Yoruba tricycle operator was allegedly stabbed to death by some suspected Hausa youth at a PoS centre in Strabag area of Ojoo.
The tricycle operator was said to have reportedly withdrawn money from the PoS man when argument allegedly ensued over the transaction. The PoS man was said to have claimed that the transaction was unsuccessful and that the tricycle operator should return the money.
It was learnt that during this altercation the said tricycle operator was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected Hausa scrap collectors from the nearby boiler joint.
However, the clash assumed more violent dimension on Wednesday morning when colleagues of the late tricycle operator stormed the Strabag area of Ojoo over the death of the tricycle operator, resulting in a free for all between the Hausa boila boys and the Yoruba youth.
It was gathered that during the renewed clash which lasted for hours, no fewer than 2 persons were feared dead with scores injured while some shanties believed to belong to the scrap collectors were set a blazed by the irate youth in the area.
Oyo state deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal, during a visit to the area on behalf of Gov Seyi Makinde appealed for calm, while urging residents in the area to remain peaceful and allow security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident.
He said the state government will take appropriate action and that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
The deputy governor blamed the unrest on criminal elements and that those responsible would be prosecuted.
He said: “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 Ojo and, indeed, across every part of Oyo state.”
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our youth, men, women and business owners. We are aware that there have been casualties, including the tragic loss of two lives,” he said.