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Estimated reading time: 7 minute(s)
Abdulqudus Ogundapo
Palpable fear is brewing around Lafenwa, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State after some Yoruba and Hausa traders engaged themselves in a bloody clash.
The clash which started on Monday evening within the premises of Lanfenwa market developed into full crisis on Tuesday evening.
PLATFORMTIMES gathered that many people including the Seriki of Hausa community, Ibrahim Hassan were injured in the clash while several shops were burnt.
The Seriki and some other injured victims were immediately rushed to Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta to treatment, PLATFORMTIMES learnt.
PLATFORMTIMES further gathered that, the clash started with a fight between a Yoruba and Hausa man.
While fighting, the Yoruba man hit the Hausa on his chest, making him unconscious.
Sighting the Hausa man lying unconscious on the floor, other Hausa traders mobilized themselves to attack the yoruba man.
This, the Hausa traders went violent and started destroying people’s shops and properties.
A source within the Hausa community who pleaded anonimity confirmed the incident to PLATFORMTIMES.
The source said “The Seriki Hausa who was called upon to settle the issue was injured and this further worsened the crisis.
“The man is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ida-Aba”, the source who preferred anonymity told our correspondent.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the incident.
He claimed that the situation had been brought under control.
Oyeyemi maintained that no life was lost contrary to the report that an Hausa man was killed.
He explained that the police had arrested several persons in connection to the crisis.
“I’m aware of the clash, but the situation has been brought under control and we have made some arrest. I don’t want to disclose the number of persons we have arrested, but we have made some arrest.
“But, contrary to what people are insinuating, no life was lost, but people were injured while shops were also burnt and property destroyed.
“We are still investigating the clash. The crisis is as a result of a rumor because there was a clash between a Hausa man and a Yoruba man, I think the Hausa man was injured and some people went to town with the rumor that the injured man died and that was what led to the whole thing and the issue was escalated.
“But, contrary to that rumor, no life was lost, and we are still investigating and after thorough investigation, whoever that is found culpable will be charged to court”, Oyeyemi said.
