Oyo State confirms four deaths in the Ojoo clash and vows to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence

The Oyo State Government has confirmed that four people were killed and several others injured during a violent clash involving rival groups, including wheelbarrow pushers, in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area.

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The government assured residents that those responsible for the violence would be tracked down, arrested and prosecuted, as security agencies intensified efforts to restore calm to the affected community.

The clash, which began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning, was reportedly triggered by the killing of a commercial tricycle rider during a dispute over a failed Point-of-Sale (POS) transaction.

The unrest forced traders, including operators at the popular Ojoo Motor Park managed by the Park Management System, to shut their businesses as panic spread across the area.

Residents said the incident started after a disagreement 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An eyewitness, identified as Iya Kadijat, said the rider had withdrawn money from a POS operator, but the transaction failed to reflect immediately due to network issues.

She said the rider offered his tricycle keys, mobile phone and vehicle as security while assuring the operator he had no intention of fleeing.

According to her, the situation escalated when another individual allegedly intervened, slapped the rider and stabbed him.

“He was rushed to the hospital but died on Wednesday morning,” she said.

The witness added that news of the rider’s death sparked outrage among his colleagues, relatives and friends, who mobilised to the area, leading to widespread violence.

Another resident, Azeez Olamiposi, alleged that an armed man carrying a rifle appeared during the confrontation before another individual reportedly opened fire, killing another victim and injuring several others.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Speaking during an assessment visit to the area on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, condemned the violence and attributed the disturbance to criminal elements.

“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 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Oyo State’s reputation for peaceful coexistence.

“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,” he added.

Lawal assured residents that security agencies had been directed to identify and apprehend all those responsible for the violence, stressing that they would face the full weight of the law.