By Adeola Badru
No fewer than four persons were reportedly killed and scores of others injured on Wednesday following a clash between a scavenger and a Point of Sale (POS) operator that escalated into violence in Ojo, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident prompted the deployment of security personnel to restore order, while the Oyo State Government appealed for calm and urged residents to avoid reprisals as efforts continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The crisis, which paralysed commercial activities and sent hundreds of residents fleeing for safety, was allegedly triggered by the killing of a commercial tricycle (Maruwa) rider during a dispute over a Point-of-Sale (POS) transaction on Tuesday night.
Although eyewitnesses put the death toll at four, the Oyo State Government confirmed casualties but said two deaths had been officially established as investigations continued.
The violence has since attracted the attention of the state government, traditional and community leaders, the police and the military, all of whom insisted that the incident was a criminal matter and should not be given an ethnic interpretation.
An eyewitness, Azeez Olamiposi, who narrated how the crisis began, alleged that the tricycle rider had visited a POS operator at the Sabo area of Ojo between 11:00 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday to withdraw cash.
According to him, the transaction became contentious after a network failure prevented confirmation of payment despite the customer having already collected the money.
He said, “Around between 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight yesterday, 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 explained that the rider repeatedly assured those present that he had no intention of fleeing and even offered his belongings as security pending the resolution of the failed transaction.
“The man 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,” the witness recalled.
He alleged that while discussions were still ongoing, another individual suddenly intervened violently.
“While they were arguing, somebody suddenly came, slapped him and stabbed him until he died,” the eyewitness alleged.
The witness further claimed that despite the victim’s repeated pleas, he was allegedly assaulted by several persons.
“He had already collected the money and given it to the person he wanted to give it to. He kept telling them, ‘I can’t run away. My Maruwa is here. This is the key to it. This is my phone. Keep everything. I’m not running.’ But they didn’t listen. They started beating him and stabbing him until he died.”
The witness also criticised the handling of the victim after the attack, adding, “He died yesterday. They didn’t even rush him to the hospital immediately. They took him somewhere else first. Before people eventually rushed him to the hospital, he had already died.“
He said the situation deteriorated on Wednesday morning when residents gathered to seek an explanation over the alleged killing.
“This morning, when Yoruba boys and other people came to find out what had really happened, the next thing we saw was people from the other side rushing there and starting a fight,” the witness said.
He further alleged that an armed man, whose identity could not immediately be verified, appeared at the scene carrying an assault rifle.
“Before we knew it, there was a man who said he was either a policeman or a soldier. He was carrying an AK-47 and wearing a blue jalabiya. Everyone was afraid because of the gun he was carrying.”
The eyewitness alleged that the man positioned himself between members of both communities before issuing instructions that further escalated tensions.
“He stood between the Yoruba and the Hausas, then told the Hausa people to chase the Yoruba away. Immediately, one of their men, whom they called ‘General’, brought out a gun and started shooting.”
The witness claimed the gunfire claimed another life, noting, “While he was shooting, he killed a young boy who had gone to buy Indomie. The boy died. Several other people were also injured and are now in the hospital.”
Expressing frustration over the incident, the witness demanded justice, saying, “We want justice. We don’t want them here anymore. We don’t want them here anymore. Even I, look at what they wanted to use to injure me. They even attacked me here.”
The witness also alleged that security agencies were aware of a location allegedly being used as a hideout by criminal elements.
“What really happened is that they have a place. The police, the soldiers and the security agencies know the place we are talking about. This hill is the place we are talking about. That place is full of bandits. Everyone knows that hill. It is their base. This place is full of bandits.”
Questioning how civilians could possess firearms, the witness asked, “He is a Nigerian. He is a civilian. What is he doing with a gun?”
Responding to concerns raised by residents, the local government chairman of Akinyele, Akinwole Akinleyele, urged calm and insisted that the incident should not be viewed through an ethnic lens.
“As a government representative and a community leader, this has nothing to do with ethnicity. This is simply a case of someone committing a crime. It has been reported, and as you can see, the police and the military are here. Arrests have been made, and I am confident they will get to the bottom of the matter.”
He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies, adding, “I want everyone to remain calm and allow the law enforcement agencies to do their job and secure the community.“
The local government boss acknowledged that such situations could easily assume ethnic dimensions in mixed communities but urged residents not to encourage such narratives.
“It is normal in a mixed community like this that when someone dies and the victim belongs to one ethnic group while the suspect belongs to another, people may try to turn it into an ethnic issue.”
He disclosed that both Hausa and Yoruba leaders had already begun dialogue to prevent further violence.
“But I can assure you that we have spoken with both the Hausa and Yoruba community leaders, and they are working together. This has nothing to do with ethnicity. It is purely a criminal matter. The situation could have been handled differently.”
Addressing residents during an assessment visit on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, attributed the unrest to criminal elements and assured residents that those responsible would be prosecuted.
“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.”
Lawal said Oyo State remained committed to preserving its long-standing 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.”
Appealing for restraint, the deputy governor said, “We have come to appeal to our people, particularly the youths, to give peace a chance.“
“The government has already commenced profiling and investigating those involved, and anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, irrespective of whether they are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba or from any other ethnic group. Criminality is not the exclusive preserve of any tribe.”
He assured residents that the government would uncover the remote and immediate causes of the crisis, adding, “As a government, we are determined to establish the root cause of this crisis. Once the facts are established, we will deal with the matter decisively.”
Lawal urged residents to leave the troubled area to enable security agencies to carry out unrestricted operations.
“For now, however, we appeal to all young people, elders and residents to vacate the area and allow the military and other security agencies to take full control of the situation.“
“This will enable the security agencies to conduct a thorough assessment and determine exactly what transpired. If large crowds continue to gather or move around the area, it will hinder efforts to resolve the crisis effectively. Our objective is to achieve a lasting solution.”
He further cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, noting, “We also urge everyone not to take the law into their own hands. This is extremely important. We already face a number of security challenges, and we must not allow this incident to worsen the situation.“
“Let us remain focused and united so that the efforts we are making to address these challenges will yield the desired results.”
The deputy governor assured residents that the state government would give the matter the highest priority.
“We ask our people to remain patient, as this matter will receive the same level of attention and commitment as the other security challenges confronting the state.”
Acknowledging the loss of lives, Lawal added, “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our youths, men, women and business owners. We are aware that there have been casualties, including the tragic loss of two lives.“
“A full investigation will be carried out, and those responsible will be identified, prosecuted and brought before the courts.”
He appealed to residents to cooperate fully with security agencies, saying, “Once again, we appeal to everyone to leave the area, return to their homes, and allow the security personnel to carry out their duties. This is essential to restoring peace, law and order, and tranquillity.”
