By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Government on Monday morning, embarked on the demolition of the makeshift market at Mobil Market in Ibadan, few hours after a clash between traders at the market.
It was learnt that during the clash, a yet to be identified middle aged man was feared dead with goods
including oranges destroyed by the hoodlums that took the advantage of the clash to loot, forcing sellers at the market to scamper for safety.
As early as 8am on Monday, Oyo State Government through men of the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area stormed the market and pulled down all the structures within the makeshift market both left and right sides of the Ring Road Expressway.
During the demolition exercise of the structures at the market, security vans including that of Police and Operation Amotekun operatives were seen at strategic locations in the area
Sources in the market said trouble started when a marketer of a lottery game was reportedly stabbed while trying to settle a scuffle between two Hausa traders at the makeshift market on Sunday.
The lottery game marketer was said to have became unconscious and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention after which he was reported to have died later in the evening (on Sunday).
It was learnt that the trader that reportedly stabbed the lottery game marketer took to his heels but was given a hot chase by the symphatizers a situation which
forced a temporary shutdown of the market as the suya spot within the market was set ablaze by suspected hoodlums while the commercial motorcyclists at the market abandoned their motorcycles for cover in the nearby area.
Oyo State Police Command while reacting to the clash through the Command Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Adewale Osifeso said: “At about 1030HRS on Sunday 24/07/2022, upon the receipt of a distress call, Operatives of the Oyo State Command responded to an alleged breach of peace situation around Mobil Area Ring Road, Ibadan.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the victim ‘m’, (name undisclosed as of now) was escorted off the scene after suffering deep cuts on his body by Police responders”, he said .
SP Osifeso added, ” the incident is closely monitored and Police operational and tactical assets have been deployed to forestall any untoward happenings.The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property. Updates regarding the ongoing investigation would be provided accordingly, please.”
